Tottenham’s captain, Son Heung-min, finds himself starting on the bench in the Europa League final against Manchester United, despite expressing his readiness to play after recovering from an injury. Richarlison has been preferred in the starting lineup over Son, who has yet to win a trophy with Spurs despite participating in three finals, including the heartbreaking 2019 Champions League defeat.
Son acknowledged this match might represent his “last chance” to secure a trophy for Tottenham, making his role from the bench crucial for the club’s hopes of ending a 17-year trophy drought. Coach Ange Postecoglou has determined that Son is not fully fit for the match. Aside from Son, Tottenham is also missing players like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall due to injuries sustained before the final.
Following a series of appearances since recovering from a foot injury, Son had played 73 minutes in a recent match against Aston Villa and was confident about his physical condition. He stated, “I’m ready,” highlighting his commitment to the team as they face a tough opponent in Manchester United.
Coach Postecoglou, who has only made minimal changes to the lineup from the semifinal, emphasized the need for running power against Manchester United, suggesting a tactical focus on both defensive and attacking strategies.
As both teams finalize their preparations for this highly anticipated match, Spurs supporters remain hopeful that Son’s influence off the bench may help the team clinch a long-awaited title.
In summary, while Son’s absence from the starting eleven is notable, his experience and readiness could still play a pivotal role in the outcome of this critical match for Tottenham.