Postecoglou makes Heung-min Son admission ahead of Spurs vs Ipswich

Ange Postecoglou has hinted at a cautious approach with Heung-min Son’s playing time as Tottenham prepares for their match against Ipswich Town on Saturday.

Son, a player known for his consistency and durability over nearly a decade with Spurs, has been dealing with minor injuries this season, including hamstring and thigh issues.

This season’s setbacks have required close management of his minutes, which led to his early substitution in Tottenham’s recent 4-1 victory over Aston Villa. Although Son wasn’t thrilled with the decision, Postecoglou’s priority remains preserving the fitness of his star forward.

Postecoglou’s choice to start Son against Galatasaray earlier in the week raised eyebrows, given his recent injuries. However, limited options in the attacking lineup left him with few alternatives.

Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, Timo Werner, and Mikey Moore were all unavailable for the fixture, making Son’s participation essential despite his need for rest.

With these players still sidelined, Postecoglou seems set to start Son and Brennan Johnson up front against Ipswich. Yet, the head coach has signaled that he’ll continue to manage Son’s minutes carefully to avoid further strain.

In a recent statement, Postecoglou acknowledged the need to protect Son’s fitness, noting that he had experienced a minor setback after returning too soon from his initial injury. He emphasized the importance of gradually increasing Son’s playing time to avoid further issues.

Postecoglou also highlighted the strain on Tottenham’s attacking options, mentioning that injuries to Odobert, Richarlison, and Moore have left him with limited flexibility. Losing another forward would severely impact Spurs’ attacking strength, so careful management of Son’s workload is crucial.

As Spurs face Ipswich, Postecoglou will likely aim to secure an early lead, allowing him to rest key players like Son and Pedro Porro, both of whom face heavy international commitments.

With a thin roster for the game, Tottenham will have limited firepower to bring off the bench, so early control will be key. If Tottenham can take command in the first hour, Postecoglou could make strategic substitutions to prevent additional fatigue for players heading into the international break.

Here’s a look at Tottenham’s injury and availability stats heading into the game:

With the roster stretched thin, Tottenham’s focus will be on efficiency and taking early control. For Son, the match could mean a well-managed performance aimed at both supporting the team and preserving his fitness for a busy season ahead.

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