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"He is a little tired," Tottenham Hotspur coach Enze Postecoglou said after the first leg of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League group league against Karabakh at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on the 27th (Korea time). "However, I did not have any discussions with the medical staff," he said. "I do not see any major problems with Son's physical condition."

Son Heung-min collapsed on the pitch midway through the second half of the day and received simple treatment. Later, in the 26th minute of the second half, he was replaced by touching his thigh and headed to the bench. He didn't seem to have any major problems because he walked in person, but he certainly didn't look in good shape. Son Heung-min was even more worried because he often fiddled with his thighs in the last match.

Recently, Son has been carrying out an excessive schedule. After returning to Korea for an A-match in September, he played in the North London derby against Arsenal on September 15, and also appeared in a League Cup game against Coventry City in a lower league on September 19. He played in a league game against Brentford on September 21. Son, who is now 32, must feel physically burdened.

Coach Postecoglou has hardly given Son a break while his performance is not reviving. Son, who is captain and the core of his offense, plays in every game and is not given physical strength. He has no choice but to react sensitively to even small movements that touch his thighs.

On the eve of the match, Son said in a press conference, "No one wants to see the players struggle with injuries. There are so many games and so many travel distances. It is so hard to take care of ourselves," adding, "If we play without mental and physical preparation, there is a risk of injury. We are not robots," expressing concern that overcrowded schedules can be harmful to players.

To make matters worse, Son's murderous schedule is not over yet. He has to play a big match with Manchester United on Thursday, three days later. He will play the second Europa League match against Ferencvaros on March 4, and fight Brighton and Hove Albion on March 7. Both matches will be played away. After the match, Son will come back to Asia for an A match in September.