Tottenham Hotspur is preparing for their upcoming Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar. Manager Ange Postecoglou has provided important updates on the fitness of key players Son Heung-Min and Wilson Odobert. Son has been a pivotal figure for Spurs this season, serving as captain and a primary goal scorer. Recently, his absence from training raised concerns among fans and the club.
Son missed several weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during a Europa League match against Ferencvaros. This injury also prevented him from joining the South Korean national team for the recent international break. However, he made a strong return last weekend, playing against West Ham United and scoring a brilliant solo goal that secured a win for Tottenham.
Despite this positive comeback, Son’s absence from a Wednesday training session reignited worries about his fitness. In a recent press conference, Postecoglou addressed these concerns, saying, “Sonny was a bit sore after the weekend. We’ll leave him out and we’ll see how he is from there.” The decision to rest Son seems tactical, focusing on keeping him fit for the busy schedule ahead.
Postecoglou emphasized the importance of having Son ready for various roles, whether as a starter or a substitute in the Europa League. Alongside Son, Wilson Odobert’s return is highly anticipated. The young forward has been out for a considerable time, and the club is taking a cautious approach to reintegrate him into the squad.
Postecoglou mentioned the need for a careful transition back to competitive play for Odobert. He noted that the player has only had a week of training, so his game time will depend on the situation. Odobert’s return adds crucial depth to the Tottenham squad, and fans are hopeful he can rediscover the form that made him a promising prospect before his injury.
Alan Shearer has praised Postecoglou for correcting a tactical error that previously cost Tottenham in a match. Shearer noted that Postecoglou’s ability to adapt has been evident in the season so far. His recent decisions played a significant role in Spurs’ impressive 4-1 victory over West Ham United.
Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Brighton, where Spurs lost a two-goal lead, questions arose about Postecoglou’s in-game adjustments. Critics felt he should have made earlier changes to solidify the midfield and protect the lead.
Against West Ham, however, Postecoglou made decisive changes. Shearer highlighted the importance of Postecoglou’s halftime substitution, where he replaced James Maddison with Pape Sarr. This move strengthened the team’s defensive structure, allowing for a more balanced approach.
Shearer remarked on the noticeable improvement in the team’s performance after the substitution. “They were fairly weak in the first half. But in the second half, they were a different team,” he said. Postecoglou’s proactive tactics earned him praise for turning the game around.
With Sarr and Yves Bissouma operating in deeper roles, Tottenham appeared much more organized. This setup allowed players like Kulusevski and Son to press higher up the pitch. The tactical shift led to a dominant second-half performance, securing a comfortable victory over West Ham.
Looking ahead, Postecoglou faces decisions about his starting lineup. He must balance between maintaining his attacking midfield duo of Maddison and Kulusevski or adopting a more cautious strategy with a defensive player. Shearer emphasized the necessity of adaptability in response to game situations, a lesson that Postecoglou seems to be quickly embracing.
As Tottenham gears up for a demanding schedule, effectively managing player fitness and tactical flexibility will be vital for their success in both domestic and European competitions. The club’s ability to navigate these challenges will significantly influence their performance in the upcoming matches.
