Postecoglou and Son Heung-min set for talks amid Tottenham concern v AZ Alkmaar
Bryan King expects Ange Postecoglou to hold talks with Son Heung-min over the Tottenham captain's fitness.
The ex-Spurs scout thinks Son will start on the bench as Postecoglou makes changes in the UEFA Europa League against AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday (24 October).
Son was absent from Spurs' open training session on Wednesday (23 October, via Jay Harris), which is likely to have caused some concern.
Therefore, King - speaking exclusively to Tottenham News - has predicted Postecoglou to have a conversation with Son.
“I think there will be some changes,” King said.
“I'd imagine there will be some quality on the bench, maybe a couple of the bigger names. AZ Alkmaar are probably in the top four or five teams in Holland. These teams can prove problems.
"However, I would’ve thought Spurs’ squad would be strong enough to beat this team. With Son, I’d imagine he will be on the bench and perhaps come on for 20 minutes or so.
“If Son is on form and fit, he’s a great plus for the team. Not only for the team but for supporters as well, they have great faith in him as the man who took over from Harry Kane as the leader.
“Looking at the injuries they’ve already had, that will be on Postecoglou’s mind. However, I do think he will ask Son how he feels, whether he fancies starting or sitting on the bench.”
Son Heung-min to start on the bench for Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar?
It isn't yet clear why Son was absent from Spurs training on Wednesday. Therefore, it might have simply been a precautionary measure, with the 32-year-old having only recently returned from injury.
However, regardless of the reason, and regardless of what Son says in any potential talks, the South Korea international shouldn't start against AZ Alkmaar.
Son picked up his initial injury in the Europa League, as Spurs beat Qarabağ 3-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (26 September), and Postecoglou must learn from this.
Tottenham should be able to win this game without Son, and there is no need to risk him unnecessarily.
In other Tottenham news, one player is set to leave the club with negotiations already underway.
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