Tottenham Hotspur have endured a miserable season riddled with injuries, and there have been plenty of opinions on why.
Some posit that manager Ange Postecoglou puts too much of a strain on his players with his gung-ho style, while others have blamed the Spurs hierarchy for changes to the medical team.
No one knows why these injuries have ravaged the Tottenham roster this season, but fans can only hope the club addresses the issue before next term.
For now, the team will have to make do without key players for the crucial UEFA Europa League final at San Mames on May 21.
James Maddison was already out, and Dejan Kulusevski will join him on the sidelines.
Kulusevski pulled up in the 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace. Even though Postecoglou tried to play it off, the injury looks serious.
Tottenham announced that he has undergone surgery. He will miss the final Premier League games and the Europa League showdown with Manchester United.
Kulusevski was trying to find his rhythm after a period on the sidelines, but this is another setback for the Sweden international. Spurs will have to find a way without him.
How Tottenham should line-up for the Europa League final without Kulusevski – opinion
Son Heung-min is only just returning from injury, but this is a moment where Tottenham need their captain the most.
Slotting Son into the number 10 role gives Spurs a dynamic presence between the lines – someone who can pick passes, create space, and chip in with goals.
Also, he has the work rate to support Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall in the engine room, and they will need it against Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, and Bruno Fernandes.
Dominic Solanke should lead the line. Behind him, Son can operate with freedom, supported by Brennan Johnson on the right and either Wilson Odobert or Mathys Tel on the left.
Odobert has shown glimpses of his talent but struggled in the number 10 hole against Palace when he could not use his explosive dribbling.
Son’s pace has waned, but his football IQ remains as sharp as ever. He should take the playmaker mantle.
It is not an ideal scenario, but it rarely is with Tottenham. With Son pulling the strings, they will walk into San Mames with belief and perhaps leave it with silverware.
This team can still conjure magic when the odds are against them.