Ange Postecoglou confirmed that Son Heung-min is a doubt for Tottenham’s trip to Old Trafford on Sunday, but is hopeful that his captain will be ready to face Manchester United.
Son had to be withdrawn as he hobbled off the pitch in Spurs’ 3-0 win against Qarabag, having played 83 minutes with 10 men, as Postecoglou explained that the skipper was his only new injury fear.
“Apart from Sonny everybody is OK, and I don’t think Sonny is too bad,” the Aussie explained. “He wants to train tomorrow so we will obviously see how it goes in training tomorrow and make a decision from there. We’ve got another day up our sleeve to give him every chance.”
Speaking after goals from Brennan Johnson, Pape Matar Sarr and Dominic Solanke put their Kazakhstani opponents to the sword, Postecoglou said: “I haven’t spoken to him (Son). He said he felt a bit tired, but I haven’t spoken to him or the medical team yet.”
Son has been an ever-present this season for Spurs, scoring twice and assisting another two goals in his five Premier League appearances.
His absence would be a big gap to fill, as Dejan Kulusevski could return to the starting lineup as part of the front three, with the possibility of Johnson moving over to the left flank. Timo Werner is another option and replaced Son after 71 minutes in the Europa League.
Postecoglou also addressed fears that Spurs could be without Son permanently, with the 32-year-old out of contract at the end of the season.
“I don’t always have the final say, but like to think my input is significant on it, but the way he’s performing and leading the club we certainly want him to stick around for a while,” the boss said.
There is an option in Son’s existing deal that allows the club to trigger a one-year extension, which is expected to be activated before he can speak with foreign clubs regarding a pre-contractual agreement in January.
The South Korea star revealed earlier this week that he had not held any talks with the club about extending his time in north London, but has previously reiterated his desire to stay at Spurs long-term.
“We haven’t talked [about] anything yet,” Son said. “It was very clear for me, I’m very focused for this season. At this age, every second is like a goal.
“Especially this season, we are in a lot of competitions, it feels like I’m taking even more care about this. I’m just fully focused on this situation and this year.
“I just want to win something that everybody in this club and these players and all around deserves. That’s what I’m working for. In the future, you never know what’s going to happen, but I will make sure I give everything for this club.
“It’s almost ten years that I give everything. We’ll see what happens. I still have a contract with the club which is the main important thing. I just want to give everything while I have my contract.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk