Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham Hotspur) holds the fate of the season at his feet. After returning from injury, Tottenham now faces its most important decision. Whether to include Son Heung-min in the lineup for the UEFA Europa League final on the 22nd (Korean time). Only one game remains, holding the key.

Tottenham will face Aston Villa in an away match for the 37th round of the 2024-2025 Premier League on the 17th. Although it is the final stretch of the season, the 'physical condition' is more important than points. This is because it serves as a final rehearsal ahead of the UEFA Europa League final (22nd, Bilbao, Spain).

Son Heung-min made his return in the match against Crystal Palace on the 11th, about a month after his injury. He came on as a substitute in the second half and warmed up for 32 minutes. For Son Heung-min, who missed eight matches due to a foot injury in the middle of the season, this match against Villa is virtually the last stage to regain match fitness.

Head coach Ange Postecoglou expressed satisfaction with Son Heung-min's return. In a press conference on the 12th, Postecoglou said, "Son Heung-min has performed well in training, and his physical condition is fine. He is expected to play for a certain amount of time in the Villa match," adding, "There is still time before the final. However, he needs to secure more playing time."

Football London reported, "Son Heung-min is one of the players who absolutely needs to play in the Villa match," analyzing that "Coach Postecoglou is considering whether to start Son Heung-min or use him from the bench." It emphasized, "Above all, it is crucial that Son Heung-min has enough match fitness for the final."

Currently, Tottenham has no choice but to pin hopes on Son Heung-min's return. With Lucas Moura, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski all declared out for the season, the attacking line has essentially collapsed. If Son Heung-min, the team's top assist provider, is unable to take center stage, the entire offensive flow in the final could be disrupted.

However, there are variables. Son Heung-min's physical condition is still not completely restored. This season, he has suffered repeated hamstring and foot injuries, and considering his age, his recovery speed is not what it used to be. Currently, his tally of 7 goals and 9 assists is respectable numerically, but there are evaluations that his performance lacks a bit of sharpness.

In the UK, scenarios are being discussed about utilizing Son Heung-min as a 'second half joker card' instead of a starter for the final. Football London warned, "Tottenham used Harry Kane, who returned from injury, as a starter in the UEFA Champions League final in 2019, but it backfired," suggesting that "care must be taken to avoid a similar situation for Son Heung-min."

In that match, Lucas Moura, who played a key role in the final, remained on the bench, and Kane, who was forcefully brought back to the starting lineup, had no influence throughout the game. Ultimately, Tottenham suffered a 0-2 defeat to Liverpool, leading fans to rate it as 'the worst decision.'

The BBC also reported on fan sentiments. Tottenham fan 'Ali Spicily' said, "It remains uncertain whether Son Heung-min is ready to start in the final. His condition is not fully recovered, and his leadership as captain is being criticized by some fans." He added, "The case of Kane must not be repeated," while emphasizing, "Son Heung-min is the most dedicated player in the team and is a necessary presence on the final stage."

Coach Postecoglou also avoided giving a definitive answer. He stated, "It is clear that Son Heung-min is an important player for the team, but all players must be assessed based on their condition and performance. The team as a whole takes priority over the individual."

Son Heung-min also desperately wishes to participate in the final. Since joining Tottenham in 2015, he has scored 173 goals in 451 matches but has never lifted a trophy. The upcoming UEFA Europa League final is Son Heung-min's third attempt, termed 'try again after two failures.'

He said, "The last piece of the puzzle remains. I have been preparing for this moment for the past 10 years." Tottenham has fallen to 17th in the league, and Son Heung-min is still without a trophy. If this puzzle piece isn't completed, the partnership of the two may reach a conclusion.

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