Postecoglou provides Duo star player injury update ahead of Crystal Palace test
Heung-min Son’s battle to regain match fitness has reached a critical stage as Tottenham prepare for their final Premier League fixtures before the Europa League showdown in Bilbao.
The South Korean captain continues his recovery from a persistent foot injury that has sidelined him for six consecutive matches, including both legs of the European quarter-final and semi-final victories.
Manager Ange Postecoglou offered a cautiously optimistic update when pressed about Son’s potential involvement against Crystal Palace this weekend. “I’m half hopeful we’ll get Sonny for some minutes,” the Australian tactician revealed, though insiders suggest even a substitute appearance remains unlikely.
With just eleven days remaining until Tottenham’s first European final since 2019, the clock is ticking for their talismanic leader to prove his readiness.
The situation presents Postecoglou with a delicate balancing act. While integrating Son before the final could provide a vital boost, rushing his return risks aggravating the injury that has plagued him since April.
The club’s medical staff face the unenviable task of weighing the captain’s leadership importance against his physical readiness, knowing his presence could prove decisive against Manchester United.
In more positive news, Tottenham emerged unscathed from their European trip to Norway, with no fresh injury concerns reported following the Bodo/Glimt victory. Postecoglou confirmed he would rotate heavily against Palace, prioritizing player preservation ahead of the continental finale.
The manager outlined his careful approach to managing returning defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, both of whom suffered setbacks during their rehabilitation periods. “We’ve had to adjust our processes after their recurring issues,” Postecoglou explained.
“They need controlled minutes, though probably not tomorrow given the surface concerns.” His reference to Tottenham’s previous artificial pitch experience at Tamworth – which resulted in multiple injuries – reveals the heightened caution governing selection decisions.
With Aston Villa awaiting on the final matchday, Postecoglou hinted at differing approaches to the two remaining league fixtures.
The Palace encounter appears earmarked for wholesale changes, while the Villa Park visit may see key players receive crucial minutes to sharpen their match fitness before the Bilbao spectacle.
As Tottenham’s medical team work around the clock, all eyes remain fixed on Son’s recovery timeline. His potential inclusion against Villa could prove the decisive audition for a starting role in Spain, where his big-game experience and lethal finishing might make the difference between heartbreak and glory.
For now, Spurs fans must wait anxiously as their captain races against time to be fit for the club’s most significant match in half a decade.