Son Heung-min benched for Tottenham Hotspur against Newcastle United despite returning from injury
Speaking in an interview (h/t football.london) before the game against Newcastle United, Jose Mourinho explained that it was too early for Son Heung-min to be reinstated into the Tottenham Hotspur line-up.
The Lilywhites started with Harry Kane and Carlos Vinicius in attack instead. And Mourinho revealed the reason behind it.
“It’s a little early for Son, and with muscular injuries, you always have to be careful. He couldn’t play 90 minutes today, it would be too much of a risk, and to be on the bench to be able to come later is probably the best option for us.”
But the South Korean star could not be kept on the bench for too long. And as he said before the game, Mourinho subbed Son in later in the game.
Back from injury
He came on for the Brazilian striker at the start of the second half. By then, Spurs had already zoomed to a 2-1 lead despite trailing to a 28th-minute goal from Joelinton.
A 4-minute brace by Harry Kane beginning at the half-hour mark meant that Mourinho’s men went in 2-1 up at half-time. But that is not how the game ended.
Spurs succumbed to a late goal from Joe Willock, who is at Newcastle on loan from Arsenal, as the match finished at 2-2. The result sends them into 5th position, just 2 points behind Chelsea in fourth.
A win, however, would have seen them go into 4th and lead both Liverpool and West Ham United by 2 points. But that was not meant to be, as they are now level on points with both clubs.
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Nevertheless, it is a great sight for Spurs fans to see the former Bayer Leverkusen forward return from his hamstring injury. Son would undoubtedly have to play a big role if they are to secure Champions League football next season.
