Son Heung-min Aims for Fitness Ahead of Europa League Final

Son Heung-min is progressing towards full fitness for Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming Europa League final against Manchester United. The South Korean player is motivated to secure his first major trophy, mirroring the achievement of his former teammate, Harry Kane.

Kane, Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer, departed the club in 2023 without having won a title. He recently ended this drought with Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga victory.

Son, 32, who shared a prolific partnership with Kane at Tottenham for nearly a decade, has been managing a foot injury. However, he participated in training on Monday after making a substitute appearance against Crystal Palace the previous day.

“It’s about preparing him for the game and then deciding if he plays,” Postecoglou commented to reporters at the training facility on Monday.

“Finals often hinge on key moments and players who can influence the outcome, but a collective effort is essential. Our teamwork will be more crucial than individual performances.”

Comparisons are being drawn to Kane’s situation in 2019, when the English forward returned prematurely for Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League final following an ankle injury, appearing out of form and contributing little.

Only Son and Ben Davies remain from that squad. If Son performs at his peak, it would significantly improve Tottenham’s chances of ending their 17-year trophy wait.

He currently holds the fifth position on the club’s all-time scoring chart with 173 goals and is a crucial player for the team, according to Postecoglou.

“We still have about a week to prepare and a match on Friday to further build his fitness,” Postecoglou mentioned.

“He has been a vital player this year and understands the significance of winning a trophy for this football club and for himself, considering his outstanding career where he has accomplished nearly everything except winning that coveted silverware.”