Tottenham Faces Nottingham Forest Without Son Heung-min

Tottenham Hotspur is set to face Nottingham Forest in a critical Premier League clash on April 22, 2025, at 4 AM Korean time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. However, the Spurs will have to navigate this match without their star forward, Son Heung-min, who is sidelined due to a persistent foot injury.

Currently, Tottenham sits precariously in 16th place in the league standings with 37 points, while Nottingham Forest is enjoying a strong season, positioned 6th with 57 points. The stakes are high for both teams as they approach this match, with Tottenham needing to regain momentum after a dismal run of form.

Son's absence marks the third consecutive game he has missed due to this injury. He initially sustained the injury during the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on April 13, 2025, where the Spurs suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat. Following that match, Tottenham's head coach, Ange Postecoglou, confirmed that Son would not participate in the subsequent Europa League quarterfinals against Eintracht Frankfurt, stating, "Son Heung-min has a foot injury. It was deemed unnecessary for him to travel for the away match. We decided to keep him in London to ensure he can recover properly for future matches."

Postecoglou has indicated that Son's recovery is taking longer than anticipated, emphasizing the importance of rest for the player. "He has been struggling with this foot issue for a while now, and the situation has not improved," Postecoglou explained. "We need to give him the time he requires to heal. Son always wants to play, but we must prioritize his recovery. We will monitor his progress closely and make decisions accordingly."

Without their captain, Tottenham will rely on a starting lineup that includes goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and defenders Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, and Micky van de Ven. The midfield will feature Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, and Dejan Kulusevski, while Richarlison and Mathis Tel will lead the attack alongside Wilson Odobert.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, is eager to solidify their position in the top six as they aim for a Champions League spot. The team has been under pressure after suffering two consecutive losses, which have jeopardized their standing. Coach Nuno Espirito Santo's squad is determined to bounce back, especially after their impressive 4-0 victory over Manchester City earlier in the season.

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, Tottenham's recent form has raised concerns. In their last 20 Premier League matches, they have managed only five wins, leading to speculation about the team's ability to compete effectively against higher-ranked opponents. Historically, Tottenham has struggled against teams in the upper echelon of the league, having lost 16 of their last 20 matches against such opponents.

Despite these challenges, Tottenham has a favorable record at home against Nottingham Forest, having won their last three encounters at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. However, they have only secured one victory in their last 11 home matches against Forest, which adds an element of unpredictability to this upcoming fixture.

As the match approaches, the Opta supercomputer predicts a closely contested game, giving Tottenham a 38.9% chance of victory while Nottingham Forest is rated at 36.3%. The likelihood of a draw stands at 24.9%, indicating that both teams have a fair chance of coming away with points.

With Son Heung-min's absence, questions loom over Tottenham's attacking capabilities. The pressure is on Richarlison and his fellow forwards to step up and deliver the goals needed to secure a vital win. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest will look to exploit Tottenham's defensive vulnerabilities, hoping to capitalize on any mistakes the Spurs may make.

This match not only holds significance for league standings but also serves as a pivotal moment for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season. For Tottenham, a win could be crucial to restoring confidence and momentum, while Nottingham Forest aims to keep their Champions League aspirations alive.

As fans eagerly await kickoff, the atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is expected to be electric, with supporters hoping for a positive outcome despite the absence of their star player. The stage is set for what promises to be an exciting encounter in the 2024-2025 Premier League season.