Tottenham Hotspur wide forward Son Heung-min has been enduring a difficult time at White Hart Lane, with the South Korean skipper struggling with injury concerns that have hindered his availability off late. The 32-year-old was a missing figure in Spurs 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend as he continues to nurse his injury concerns that have limited his strides in the 2024/25 season.

He was again a missing figure in the Lilywhites 2-1 fourth-round Carabao Cup victory over Manchester City in the midweek.

His availability came as a massive boost for the North Londoners as Tottenham hosted Aston Villa at White Hart Lane today. The fixture against Unai Emery’s side is a massive one, as the Villans are expected to be the direct rivals to Spurs top-four qualification pursuit, and this fixture is a potential six-pointer. 

Son subbed off early against Villa

The South Korean skipper did deliver for the Lilywhites as he put in the inch-perfect cross into the box for Brennan Johnson’s goal as Tottenham equalised and nullified the Morgan Rogers opener in the first half. However, following the goal, Ange Postecoglou opted to manage minutes as he subbed off Son in the 56th minute for Richarlison to everyone’s (including the 32-year-old himself) surprise.

And former Arsenal striker Alan Smith suggested how it is a big call by Ange Postecoglou. Speaking on Sky Sports via BBC, he said:

Maybe it’s about protecting Son, but there’s a game here to be won, so I am a bit surprised. It’s a big call, but that’s what Postecoglou is paid for.

Tottenham will be hoping to have Son available more often going into the busy winter period, and managing his fitness would be really critical.

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Hopefully Ange Postecoglou with Son and the doctors can find an optimum way to manage his minutes.