Tottenham Hotspur may have to navigate their upcoming Premier League fixture without their captain and top scorer, Son Heung-min, who is considered “unlikely” to be fit for Sunday’s crucial away game against Crystal Palace.
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The South Korean star has been pivotal in Tottenham’s strong start to the season, but a lingering muscle issue could keep him sidelined for the weekend clash.
Son’s Role and Recent Form
Son, who has taken on the captaincy role this season, has been in excellent form, not only leading the attack with goals but also providing a steadying presence for a team in transition under manager Ange Postecoglou.
His performances have earned praise across the league, particularly for his ability to adapt to the leadership role while maintaining his attacking prowess.
Tottenham currently sits in a competitive position near the top of the table, with Son contributing significantly to their points tally and helping maintain an unbeaten streak.
His potential absence could impact their strategy, especially as they look to secure crucial points against mid-table teams like Crystal Palace.
Injury Concerns and Recovery Prospects
Postecoglou has hinted that Son’s muscle injury, which has caused minor setbacks in recent weeks, may require additional time to heal.
Though the club’s medical team continues to assess his condition closely, the cautious approach could see Son given a rest this weekend to prevent aggravating the injury.
This would mark a significant blow for Tottenham’s attacking unit, with the forward’s absence likely to influence the manager’s tactical setup against Palace.
Potential Line-up Adjustments
If Son is unavailable, Tottenham may look to their depth for alternatives. Young forward Brennan Johnson and Richarlison are among the top options to fill Son’s role in the starting XI.
Both players offer different styles—Johnson with his pace and direct approach, and Richarlison with his physicality and pressing abilities—though neither has fully replicated Son’s impact so far this season.
The team may also see increased playmaking responsibility fall to James Maddison, who has been effective in orchestrating Tottenham’s attack.
The Impact on Tottenham’s Strategy
Tottenham’s attack has centered around fluid movement and quick interchanges under Postecoglou, a strategy that Son complements perfectly with his speed and positioning.
His absence could alter their game plan, requiring a more conservative setup or a shift in focus to set-piece situations and counterattacks, where players like Richarlison and Maddison could play pivotal roles.
Eyes on Crystal Palace
As Tottenham faces the prospect of playing without their captain, Crystal Palace will likely take advantage of this potential disruption to Spurs’ attack.
Palace has shown defensive resilience at home, and the absence of Son could give them the confidence to apply pressure on Tottenham’s restructured front line.
The Tottenham medical team is expected to make a final decision on Son’s availability in the hours leading up to Sunday’s kickoff.
Regardless, Tottenham supporters and the coaching staff will hope for a swift recovery as they aim to keep their strong form intact heading into a busy schedule.