Can Son Heung-min (33), who dreams of his first victory, gain a valuable ally? The possibility of the return of 'Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year' Lucas Bergvall (19, Tottenham) has opened up.

Tottenham will face Manchester United in the 2024-2025 season UEFA Europa League (UEL) final at Estadio San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 22nd (Korea time). The two teams are currently ranked 17th and 16th in the Premier League, coming together for a European trophy showdown.

This final is an opportunity that Tottenham and Son Heung-min cannot afford to miss. Since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season, Tottenham has not reached the top even once. This time, they must end a 17-year title drought.

Son Heung-min, who is 'twice unlucky' in finals, is burning with desire for victory more than anyone else. Since joining Tottenham in 2015, he has scored 173 goals in 451 matches, becoming a legend, but he has lost in both finals he has reached.

In a recent interview, Son Heung-min noted, "The biggest reason I stayed at Tottenham was that I wanted to achieve what others could not. Perhaps that's why I am where I am now. To complete the puzzle, I need the last piece."

However, Tottenham is facing significant power loss. Especially in midfield, injuries have been occurring one after another. Bergvall was the first to fall with an ankle injury, and now vice-captain James Maddison has been confirmed to be out for the season with a knee injury.

Maddison shared on social media, "It's devastating. I'm truly heartbroken. From the first day of the season, we aimed for the Europa final in Bilbao. It's hard to accept that I can't play alongside my teammates in that stadium. Injuries are just part of this sport. But sometimes, they can be incredibly cruel," directly notifying that he won't play in the final.

Additionally, Dejan Kulusevski has also undergone surgery. Tottenham announced on the 15th, "Kulusevski had surgery. It has been confirmed that he sustained a right patellar injury during last weekend's Premier League match against Crystal Palace. He underwent surgery on Wednesday after consulting additional specialists and will begin rehabilitation immediately with the medical team."

The situation has resulted in a loss of players who can deliver creative passes all at once. The British 'Telegraph' reported, "Kulusevski's injury is a serious loss. He was Tottenham's best player in the first half of the season," and noted that "head coach Ange Postecoglou now finds himself in a situation where creativity is lacking in midfield due to the absence of Kulusevski and Maddison and will have to find solutions. The only healthy midfielders left are Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, and Pape Sarr. Another injury occurring at the worst possible time is a concern."

Amid all this, the possibility that Bergvall could make a surprise return for the final has been raised. Until recently, he was seen using crutches and wearing a protective boot, but it has been reported that he has participated in training recently.

John Wenham, who is well-informed about Tottenham's internal matters, stated, "I can't be 100% sure that Bergvall will miss the final. There was someone invited to training last week as part of a supporters club event. I heard he participated in the training. I don't know if he completed the training fully on the pitch. But I hope he can play against Manchester United."

Furthermore, images of Bergvall arriving in Bilbao with his Tottenham teammates on a private jet have been revealed. This has increased expectations that he may be able to play in the final, even if only as a substitute.

British 'Football London' reported, "Bergvall will assess his condition daily leading up to the final. He will desperately want to play on a big stage, but whether his ankle is stable and whether there is a risk of additional injury is crucial. I hope luck is on his side." Additionally, journalist Rob Guest from the media expressed hope, stating, "I wish for Bergvall to regain his condition at the last minute and become one of the options to come off the bench."

Bergvall is a midfielder born in 2006. He joined Tottenham this season and has performed beyond expectations. Seizing the opportunity created by his teammates' injuries, he has proven his skills and secured a starting position. This season he has played 45 matches, totaling 2,334 minutes, with 1 goal and 4 assists across all competitions.

Bergvall has established himself as a key player in Tottenham's midfield since his debut season. He has also earned the honor of being named Tottenham's best player. Bergvall has won three awards as player of the year, as chosen by Tottenham's official supporters, season ticket holders, and youth members, demonstrating how much he is loved by fans.

For Tottenham, if Bergvall can play, even for a moment in the final, it would be like gaining a divine army. Another central midfielder, Sarr, also recently experienced back pain during a match against Villa and was substituted, making Bergvall's performance even more crucial.

The Tottenham fan community 'Tottenham News' reported, "It turns out that Bergvall was in good enough shape to travel with the team. He could enter the final competition," but added, "Of course, Tottenham fans should temper their expectations. He will likely lack match fitness. As a substitute, he can manage at most 45 minutes."

[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (No unauthorized reproduction or redistribution), B/R Football, Sports Bible, Tottenham social media.

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