Spurs Stunned: Son Heung-min Out for AZ Clash
Tottenham Hotspur fans were left scratching their heads this week after Son Heung-min was left out of the starting lineup for their Champions League play-off first leg against AZ Alkmaar. The South Korean star, who was a key player in Spurs' Premier League campaign last season, was noticeably absent from the squad, leading to a wave of speculation and concern amongst the fanbase.
What's the Story?
The club initially offered no official explanation for Son's absence, leaving fans to draw their own conclusions. Some worried it was a serious injury, while others speculated it was a tactical decision by manager Ange Postecoglou. The mystery deepened when Son wasn't even included on the bench for the match.
The Truth Comes Out
After the match, Postecoglou finally shed some light on the situation, explaining that Son was unavailable due to a minor injury, suffered in training leading up to the match. "He's a bit sore, we'll see how he is in the next few days," the manager said, suggesting that Son could be available for the second leg.
A Blow for Spurs
Son's absence was clearly felt by Spurs during the match, as they struggled to break down the AZ defense. The match ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw after a late equalizer from Ivan Perisic. This result means that Spurs now face a tough uphill battle in the second leg if they want to secure their place in the Champions League group stage.
Looking Ahead
While Son's injury is not thought to be serious, it's still a concern for Spurs. The club will be hoping for a speedy recovery from the South Korean star, especially with the second leg against AZ just around the corner. This critical match could determine whether Spurs are in or out of the Champions League, and Son's presence will be crucial if they are to come out on top.
Key Takeaways
- Son Heung-min missed the first leg against AZ due to a minor injury.
- Postecoglou didn't provide a detailed explanation initially, leading to speculation amongst fans.
- Son's absence affected Spurs' performance in the match, resulting in a frustrating draw.
- Tottenham will be hoping for Son's return in the second leg, as he will be key to their chances of advancing in the Champions League.
This article is meant to be informative and is based on information publicly available at the time of writing. The author does not represent any official club or player.
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