The return of Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur), which had been completely unclear, has finally begun to take shape. Manager Ange Postecoglou mentioned the 'comeback.'
Tottenham will meet Crystal Palace in the home game of the 36th round of the 2024-2025 Premier League at 10:15 p.m. (Korea time) on the 11th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.
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 the worst season. They have lost a staggering 19 times by the 35th round. This ties their record for the most losses in a single season since the Premier League's inception in 1992 (1993-1994 season, 2003-2004 season). Previously, Tottenham had lost 19 times in both the 1993-1994 and 2003-2004 seasons.
However, there are still three games left in the league. Tottenham has to face Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Brighton & Hove Albion. Palace has an explosive attacking line with players like Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta, and both Villa and Brighton are strong teams competing in European tournaments.
Now, if Tottenham loses just one more time, it will reach 20 losses, tying the club's record for the most losses in a single season under the 38-game format. This will be a humiliation not seen in 112 years.
Tottenham has not lost more than 20 games in 38 games since the 1912-1913 season under manager Peter McWilliam. However, this season they are on the brink of breaking the worst record under manager Ange Postecoglou. An embarrassing history could emerge as early as the match against Palace.
If Tottenham loses all remaining matches and finishes the season with 22 losses, it will tie the record for the most losses in a single season across the 42-game format. Tottenham recorded 21 losses in the 1953-1954, 1974-1975, and 1976-1977 seasons, and 22 losses in the 1934-1935 season.
The statistics show that manager Postecoglou's Tottenham is at an all-time low. Moreover, Tottenham is focusing all its efforts on winning the UEFA Europa League (UEL), neglecting the league. It is fortunate that the relegation of Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton has already been confirmed.
There is some welcoming news: the possibility of Son Heung-min's return. He played approximately 80 minutes in the second leg of the UEL quarterfinal against Frankfurt on the 11th of last month before being substituted, and he has not played since then. It appears to be an unspecified foot injury, and he has missed all of the last seven matches, including the semifinal against Bodo/Glimt.
Initially, manager Postecoglou said that it was not a serious injury and that Son Heung-min would return soon. However, Son has struggled to make his comeback, and Postecoglou expressed concern, noting, "The situation has deteriorated rather than improved." Since then, Postecoglou has mentioned several times that Son might play in the next match, but all of those hopes ended up being false.
But now it seems it's time for a real return. In this pre-match press conference, Postecoglou stated, "Everyone completed Thursday's game safely. I am half hopeful that I can get Son a few minutes tomorrow. He is the only one who can truly return."
Tottenham also reported through the club website that "Postecoglou is 'half hopeful' that Son Heung-min will return in the match against Palace. He emphasized that Son has been recovering well ahead of the match against Bodo/Glimt last Thursday. Now there is good news that he is getting closer to a return before the UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United."
Most importantly, this time, Son left a hint about his return directly. On the 9th, he shared an image celebrating Tottenham's qualification for the UEL final on his social media with a short message, "Good morning and see you soon on the pitch."
Though it was just one line, it was a long-awaited message for many Tottenham fans and domestic football fans. Given that it was Son Heung-min himself hinting that he would shake off his injury and return soon, the chances of him playing against Manchester United in the UEL final appear to be certain.
Tottenham achieved a spot in the finals despite the adverse situation of being without Son Heung-min. They defeated Bodo 2-0 in the second leg of the UEL semifinals held on the 9th at Aker Stadion in Norway, winning 5-1 on aggregate.
Now, Tottenham's final opponent is Premier League rival Manchester United. The final between the two teams will be held on the 22nd in Bilbao, Spain. For Son Heung-min, this is a once-in-a-lifetime stage where he can compete for his first trophy.
With vice-captain James Maddison and starting midfielder Lucas Beryval sidelined by injury, Son’s return is a significant boost. In the past month, Richarlison, Matheus Tel, and Wilson Odobert, who stepped in as left wingers, have all fallen short of filling Son's void. Given Maddison's injury, Son's leadership and experience are more crucial than ever.
According to 'Tottenham News', "Son Heung-min must return for the final. He has proven to be a strong player in big matches over the years. While Son has struggled this season, he is the player who records goals and assists in the biggest games. He can be a game-changer against Manchester United, even if he comes off the bench instead of starting."
For Son Heung-min, it is crucial to gain match fitness without getting injured in the upcoming matches against Palace and Villa. 'Hotspur HQ' also noted, "Son could come on in the second half against Palace. He can start on the bench and come on in the second half to maintain his condition."
Currently, Son Heung-min has shown strong performances against Palace. He has recorded 9 goals and 2 assists in 17 matches against Palace. Tottenham has an overwhelming record of 14 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss. If Son Heung-min shakes the Palace net again and scores on his return, it could be a perfect comeback stage.
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (no unauthorized reproduction or redistribution), Son Heung-min, Sky Sports, Mirror, Tottenham, B/R Football social media.
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