Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) is finally on the verge of returning. Can he really save the struggling Tottenham?
Tottenham will face Crystal Palace in a home match for Round 36 of the 2024-2025 Premier League season at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, at 10:15 p.m. (Korea Standard Time) on the 11th.
Currently, Tottenham is in 16th place with 38 points (11 wins, 5 draws, 19 losses). In contrast, Palace is in 12th place with 46 points (11 wins, 13 draws, 11 losses).
Tottenham is having its worst season. Tottenham has suffered losses in 19 matches so far, which matches the club's record for most losses in a single season (1993-1994, 2003-2004) since the Premier League's inception in 1992. Previously, Tottenham had lost 19 matches in 1993-1994 and 2003-2004.
However, there are still three matches left in the league. Tottenham still has to face Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brighton & Hove Albion. Palace boasts an explosive attacking lineup featuring Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta, while both Villa and Brighton are strong teams competing for European qualification.
If Tottenham loses even once more, they will reach a total of 20 losses, tying the record for most losses in a single season for the club in the 38-match format. This would be an embarrassment not seen in 112 years.
Tottenham has not lost more than 20 matches in a 38-match season since the 1912-1913 season under manager Peter McWilliam. However, this season, under manager Ange Postecoglou, they are on the brink of breaking that record. An embarrassing history could be created as early as the match against Palace.
If Tottenham ends the remaining matches with all losses, it will tie the record for most losses in a single season across all 42-match formats at 22 losses. Tottenham recorded 21 losses in the 1953-1954, 1974-1975, and 1976-1977 seasons, and has 22 losses in the 1934-1935 season.
Postecoglou's Tottenham is at the lowest level historically, judging purely by the records. Additionally, Tottenham is focusing all its energy on winning the UEFA Europa League (UEL), neglecting the league. It's almost fortunate that the relegation of Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton has been confirmed early.
However, ahead of the match against Palace, good news has arrived. It is that Son Heung-min might return. Coach Postecoglou noted in a pre-match news conference, "Everyone completed Thursday's match safely. I half-hope that I can get Son Heung-min to play for several minutes tomorrow. He is the only one who can truly return."
Tottenham reported this through its official website, stating, "Postecoglou is 'half-hopeful' about Son Heung-min returning against Palace. He emphasized that Son Heung-min is recovering well ahead of the match against Bodø/Glimt last Thursday. Good news has arrived that he is getting closer to returning before the final against Manchester United and Europa League."
Son Heung-min has not played a single game since being substituted after around 80 minutes in the second leg of the UEL quarterfinal against Frankfurt on the 11th of last month. He has missed seven consecutive matches, including the recent semifinal against Bodø/Glimt, due to an unspecified foot injury. There are concerns that he might be out for the season.
Fortunately, Son Heung-min's condition has improved gradually. He recently started individual training on the grass to raise his fitness level. He did not accompany the team to Bodø and focused on rehabilitation. And now, just a month later, his return seems imminent.
If this continues, it seems likely that Son Heung-min will also be able to participate in the crucial UEL final. Despite Son Heung-min's absence, Tottenham managed to reach the final. On the 9th, they defeated Bodø 2-0 in the second leg of the UEL semifinals at Aspmyra Stadium in Norway, achieving an aggregate score of 5-1.
Tottenham's final opponent is Premier League rival Manchester United. The match between the two teams will take place on the 22nd in Bilbao, Spain. For Son Heung-min, this is effectively a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete for his first trophy.
If Son Heung-min returns, it will be like gaining a landslide of support for Tottenham. In the past month, Richarlison, Matheus Tel, and Wilson Odobert have each stepped in as left wingers, but they have all fallen short of filling Son Heung-min's void. With vice-captain James Maddison also out for the season with a knee injury, Son Heung-min's leadership and experience are even more needed.
Tottenham News noted, "Son Heung-min must return for the final. He has proven to be a strong player in big games for years." It continued, "Although Son Heung-min has struggled this season, he is a player who records goals and assists in the biggest games. He can be a game-changer against Manchester United. Even if he starts on the bench and comes in as a substitute, he can change the course of the game."
Now it is just a matter of Son Heung-min returning safely. He shared a celebratory image of Tottenham's UEL final qualification on his social media on the 9th, leaving a short message: "Good morning and see you soon on the pitch."
Though it was just a single line, it was something many Tottenham fans and domestic football fans had eagerly awaited for close to a month. Since Son Heung-min himself hinted at his imminent return from injury, it seems certain that he will appear against Manchester United in the UEL final.
Son Heung-min's task is to recover his match fitness without getting injured again before the final. If he rushes back to play in the final, he could end up like Harry Kane did during the 2018-2019 season. Back then, Tottenham sat Lucas Moura, the hero of the 'semifinal second leg hat-trick,' on the bench and started Kane, who had just returned from injury. However, Kane performed poorly throughout the match, and Tottenham lost 0-2.
For Son Heung-min, dreaming of winning his third final in his career like 'second time's the charm,' he must not repeat the same mistakes. He needs to get his condition as close to 100% as possible. It’s important to regain some form by coming off the bench for the Palace or Villa matches. 'Hotspur HQ' also pointed out, "Son Heung-min might play in the second half against Palace. He could start on the bench and then come on in the second half to maintain his condition."
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Son Heung-min, Tottenham, B/R Football social media.
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