“SAD NEWS”- Postecoglou confirms huge Spurs selection blow for Crystal Palace trip, a big threat to Our winning momentum
Tottenham Hotspur face a challenging task as they prepare for their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday, likely without their influential captain, Heung-min Son. The South Korean forward has been a crucial figure for Spurs this season, and his absence could be a significant setback. Son made a highly anticipated comeback last weekend, netting a goal in Tottenham’s commanding 4-1 victory over London rivals West Ham. However, the match revealed that he is still managing the lingering effects of a hamstring injury sustained in late September. This injury initially forced him off during Tottenham’s Europa League opener against Qarabag and has since kept him sidelined for three matches across all competitions.
Despite returning to the lineup against West Ham, Son reported experiencing soreness after the match, prompting Tottenham’s medical team and manager Ange Postecoglou to proceed cautiously. The club decided not to include him in the squad for Thursday night’s close 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, a decision intended to allow Son additional time to recover. Postecoglou noted before the game that Son’s omission was planned, emphasizing that his forward would not have played regardless due to the precautionary approach they’re taking with his recovery.
Postecoglou confirmed in Friday’s pre-match press conference that Son had not returned to training, which further casts doubt over his availability for Sunday’s clash against Crystal Palace. “Sonny is still not right or feeling 100 percent,” Postecoglou explained. “He won’t train today, so he’s unlikely for the weekend. We’ll see how he is beyond that.” This update hints that Son’s absence could stretch beyond just this weekend, as Tottenham enter a demanding series of fixtures with crucial matches on the horizon. After facing Crystal Palace, Spurs are set to host Manchester City in the Carabao Cup Round of 16, a contest that will be closely followed by Premier League tests against Aston Villa and an away trip to Turkish giants Galatasaray in the Europa League. Tottenham are eager to ensure Son’s full recovery, given his importance to the squad and the challenging schedule ahead.
In better news for Tottenham, young talent Wilson Odobert made his return from a hamstring injury against AZ Alkmaar, coming off the bench and providing a boost to Tottenham’s attacking options. Odobert, a player with immense potential, has been sidelined for over a month, and his presence adds valuable depth, especially in Son’s absence. Meanwhile, Tottenham’s forward options are further bolstered by the availability of Lucas Bergvall and Richarlison. Both players had to be substituted in the second half against AZ Alkmaar due to cramp rather than injury, indicating that they are fit for Sunday’s game. Their involvement will be crucial, as Postecoglou may need to rely heavily on his available attackers while Son continues his recovery.
Tottenham’s defensive options, however, remain somewhat limited. Full-back Djed Spence, who has shown glimpses of promise in training, remains out with a groin strain that he sustained last week. Spence, who is not registered for Tottenham’s Europa League squad, was unable to participate in recent games and will miss the upcoming Crystal Palace match as well. While his injury isn’t considered long-term, it has prevented Tottenham from exploring his potential contribution in league play. Postecoglou has indicated that Spence could be back in training by next week, which would be a welcome boost to Tottenham’s defensive options as they navigate a series of competitive fixtures.
The ongoing situation with Son underscores the delicate balancing act Tottenham must perform over the coming weeks. Son’s hamstring issues highlight the importance of allowing players adequate recovery time, especially in a season packed with domestic and European commitments. As one of Tottenham’s most valuable players, both in terms of leadership and skill, Son’s absence is felt not only on the field but in the dressing room, where his influence is instrumental in driving team morale and cohesion. Postecoglou and his staff are well aware of the need to manage their star forward’s recovery carefully, avoiding the risk of a recurrence that could prolong his time on the sidelines.
Sunday’s match against a struggling Crystal Palace side offers Tottenham a chance to continue their positive momentum in the Premier League. Palace has yet to secure a win this season, making them an opponent that Tottenham would be favored to overcome, even without their captain. Nevertheless, Spurs will need to remain vigilant, as any team in the Premier League is capable of springing a surprise, especially on home turf.
Looking beyond Sunday, Tottenham’s upcoming fixture list is packed with high-stakes matches that will test the depth and resilience of Postecoglou’s squad. The Carabao Cup clash with Manchester City will be a particularly intense challenge, as Spurs hope to make a strong run in the domestic cup competition. Following that, Aston Villa’s visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League and the away game against Galatasaray represent key fixtures in both domestic and European contexts. Each game will require a well-prepared and balanced squad, especially as Tottenham aims to progress in multiple competitions this season.
The inclusion of players like Odobert, Bergvall, and Richarlison will be vital as Tottenham attempts to compensate for Son’s absence. Richarlison, in particular, has shown moments of brilliance this season, and this could be an opportunity for him to step into a more prominent role. With a combination of experienced players and promising young talents, Postecoglou will be looking to rotate his squad effectively, ensuring that key players remain fresh while also giving developing players a chance to shine on the big stage.
As Tottenham’s focus shifts towards Crystal Palace, the main question remains whether Son will be able to join his teammates in the near future. While his recovery is a priority, Tottenham fans will undoubtedly be hoping for his return sooner rather than later, as the coming weeks will be crucial in defining the season. Until then, Tottenham will need to rely on the collective strength of their squad to maintain their impressive form and navigate the demanding road ahead.