Tottenham Carefully Manage Son Heung-min's Fitness Amid Injury Concerns Ahead of Ipswich Clash

Posted : 08 November 2024

Tottenham Hotspur are being cautious with their captain Son Heung-min's recovery as they work to build up his fitness gradually, according to manager Ange Postecoglou. Ahead of their Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town, Postecoglou emphasized the importance of managing Son's playing time to prevent further injury setbacks.

The forward has dealt with a hamstring issue earlier this season, which has impacted his availability for both Spurs and the South Korean national team. His premature return against West Ham United last month resulted in aggravating the injury, sidelining him for the following three matches.

Since recovering, Son has been eased back into action by Tottenham, featuring sparingly in recent games. He played 56 minutes in their 4-1 victory over Aston Villa in the Premier League and appeared for 45 minutes during their 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray in the Europa League.

Postecoglou explained that the decision to limit Son's minutes is aimed at preventing a recurrence of the injury, which could lead to a frustrating cycle of relapses. He stressed that the team needs to avoid rushing Son back into full match fitness to ensure his long-term availability, especially given the existing injury concerns with other key forwards like Wilson Odobert, Richarlison, and Mikey Moore.

Tottenham's inconsistent form has been evident in recent league outings, where they have registered two wins and two losses in their last four matches. With 16 points from 10 games, Spurs currently sit seventh in the Premier League standings.

Despite trailing leaders Liverpool by nine points, Postecoglou downplayed the significance of the league table at this stage of the season. He highlighted the importance of focusing on their style of play and consistent performances, believing that steady progress in their approach will be more impactful than worrying about their current position in the league.

Looking ahead to their upcoming match, Tottenham face Ipswich Town, who are currently struggling at the lower end of the Premier League table and are yet to secure a win this season. While Spurs are seen as favourites, Postecoglou warned against complacency.

He noted that Ipswich, under manager Kieran McKenna, have shown resilience and come close to winning in recent games. He emphasized that every match carries its risks if the team does not perform at its best, reinforcing the need for full focus despite Ipswich's poor form.

In a broader context of player fitness concerns, the Netherlands national team is also dealing with injury issues ahead of their upcoming fixtures. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who has been out with an ankle problem, will miss out on the squad for the European Championship qualifiers. Despite making a comeback attempt, persistent issues have kept him sidelined.

Notably, striker Memphis Depay, who has shown glimpses of form with Corinthians in Brazil, is also absent, alongside Manchester City defender Nathan Ake. However, the squad sees the return of Ajax right back Devyne Rensch and PSV winger Noa Lang, signaling a fresh opportunity for both players to make an impact under coach Ronald Koeman.

Tottenham Carefully Manage Son Heung-min's Fitness Amid Injury Concerns Ahead of Ipswich Clash

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