Spurs dealt major injury blow for semi-final showdown with Bodo/Glimt
Tottenham Hotspur’s preparations for their crucial Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo/Glimt have been dealt a severe setback with Heung-min Son’s expected absence from Thursday’s clash.
The South Korean forward, who has missed Tottenham’s last four matches with a persistent foot injury, was notably absent from Wednesday morning’s training session at Hotspur Way, casting serious doubt over his availability for the North London encounter.
Manager Ange Postecoglou had previously described Son’s fitness as “touch and go” for the first leg, adopting a cautious “day-by-day” approach to the 31-year-old’s recovery.
While the Australian coach will provide a definitive update during his Wednesday afternoon press conference, all indications suggest Spurs will need to navigate this European showdown without their talismanic captain.
Postecoglou had conceded last week that should Son miss Thursday’s fixture, he would likely return for next week’s second leg in Norway.
The potential absence of their top scorer compounds Tottenham’s challenges following Sunday’s humiliating 5-1 Premier League defeat at Liverpool. In a rare positive note, midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur participated fully in Wednesday’s session after being rested at Anfield as part of the club’s careful management of his workload following his recent return from injury.
Son’s potential omission leaves a significant void in Tottenham’s attack, with the South Korean having contributed 15 goals and 9 assists across all competitions this season.
His leadership and big-game experience would have been invaluable against a Bodo/Glimt side that has already demonstrated its capability to upset European heavyweights, having eliminated Celtic and AZ Alkmaar earlier in the competition.
Postecoglou now faces critical selection decisions as he balances the need for immediate European progress with Sunday’s Premier League clash against Arsenal looming.
The absence of Son may prompt a tactical reshuffle, potentially offering opportunities for Timo Werner or Brennan Johnson to stake their claim in advanced positions.
As Tottenham seek to establish a first-leg advantage before next week’s potentially decisive trip to the Arctic Circle, the spotlight intensifies on Postecoglou’s ability to adapt his side to the absence of their most potent attacking threat.
The coming days will reveal whether Spurs can overcome this significant setback and keep their European dreams alive or if Son’s absence proves the decisive factor in their continental ambitions.