'Captain' Son Heung-min (33) has finally returned. However, after a month away from competitive play, his condition is not yet normal. Now, the top priority is to improve his physical condition ahead of the UEFA Europa League (UEL) final against Manchester United.

On the 11th (Korea time), Tottenham lost 0-2 to Crystal Palace in a home match of the 36th round of the 2024-2025 Premier League season held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.

With this defeat, Tottenham remains at 38 points (11 wins, 5 draws, 20 losses) and has fallen to 17th place. Although relegation has been confirmed regardless of the results of the remaining matches, being just above the relegation zone is a blow to their pride. Palace recorded 49 points (12 wins, 13 draws, 11 losses), placing them in 12th.

Tottenham struggled from the first half. Palace rattled the net twice, but the goals were disallowed for offside and a handball. To make matters worse, they faced bad luck with the goalposts. Given the circumstances, Tottenham was fortunate not to collapse early.

Palace finally broke the deadlock. In the 45th minute of the first half, Eberechi Eze scored the first goal with a sharp counterattack. He added another goal in the 3rd minute of the second half, completing a brace. The match concluded with a resounding victory for Palace.

For Tottenham, Son Heung-min's return was the only positive aspect. He had been sidelined since being substituted in the first leg of the UEL quarter-finals against Frankfurt last month. Due to an unspecified foot injury, he missed all 7 matches Tottenham played over the past month.

Son Heung-min's return was anticipated for the match against Palace. Manager Ange Postecoglou noted, "I'm half hopeful that we can have Son on the pitch for a few minutes. He is the only one who can truly return," hinting at substituting him in. Son also raised expectations by writing on social media, "Good morning. See you on the pitch soon."

Son Heung-min did not disappoint fans' expectations. He was named on the substitute list for the match against Palace and entered the pitch in the 13th minute of the second half, replacing Pedro Porro. However, given how much the team was being pressured, it was difficult for Son to see much of the ball. All the shots he attempted were blocked by the defense.

Ultimately, Son Heung-min could not prevent the team's defeat. He worked diligently until the end, looking for a consolation goal but was unable to achieve it. His condition still did not appear to be complete. Football statistics outlet 'Footmob' rated Son at 5.6 for his 32 minutes on the field, with a passing success rate of 86% (6/7) and 4 touches inside the opponent's box.

The local evaluations in the UK were also poor. The Tottenham fan community 'Spurs Web' remarked, "It was his first appearance after the injury. I was happy to see him back on the pitch. But that was the only positive point today," giving Son a rating of 4.

'Standard' awarded Son a rating of 5. The outlet commented, "He returned to the flanks. It's a very important injury return. Son drew cheers from the crowd, but he failed to pass when he was in a good position to do so to Mikey Moore. He looked rusty and out of sorts."

Nonetheless, it is significant that Son Heung-min safely completed his return match. At this moment, rather than focusing on scoring, it is crucial for him to show his best condition in the UEL final in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd. This will be an opportunity for him to lift his first trophy in his life and for Tottenham to end a 17-year trophy drought.

Son Heung-min is expected to play in the upcoming away match against Villa on the 17th. It will be his last chance to regain competitive edge. Coach Postecoglou stated after the match, "I’m glad that Son could play for a few minutes. I hope he can get more time against Villa. I’m happy that Son is back and can participate in the match."

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