Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou is "half hopeful" that Son Heung-min will return from a foot injury in time for Sunday's Premier League London derby with Crystal Palace.
Spurs' skipper has missed each of the club's last seven matches in all competitions with the issue, which had been plaguing him for a while before it was decided that he would take a rest period.
However, speaking before the 2-0 Europa League semi-final second-leg win over Bodo/Glimt, Postecoglou expressed optimism about Son's chances of earning some minutes in this weekend's Premier League game.
Addressing the media once again in Saturday's pre-game press conference, the Australian confirmed that the South Korea international might be in line for some minutes on Sunday, although he will need a late check.
"No fresh injuries. Everyone got through and half hopeful that we'll get Sonny back for some minutes," football.london quotes Postecoglou as saying.
Postecoglou "half hopeful" of Son return against Crystal Palace
© Imago
With Son potentially on course to make his comeback from a foot concern this weekend, the 32-year-old should be in with a strong chance of featuring in the blockbuster Europa League final against Manchester United on May 21.
Son has not enjoyed a sensational campaign by his standards, but he has still hit double figures in both goals and assists, scoring 11 of his own and setting up 12 more in 43 appearances across all tournaments.
The 32-year-old is just one of six players to have provided at least 10 Premier League assists this season alongside Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, Mikkel Damsgaard, Jacob Murphy and Antonee Robinson, and his return could be enough to spark fear in the hearts of Palace players.
Son has netted nine Premier League goals against the Eagles in the past, his second-most against a single opponent in the competition, only behind the 11 he has struck against Southampton.
Only Sadio Mane (13) and Harry Kane (11) have scored more Premier League goals against Crystal Palace than Son, who will have to shoulder more of the creative burden now that Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison are out for the season.
What could Tottenham's XI look like against Palace?
© Imago
While Tottenham may have their captain back in the ranks on Sunday, it would be a surprise to see Son thrown in from the first whistle, so talented teenager Mikey Moore could belatedly earn his next chance to impress.
The 17-year-old was an unused substitute against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday evening, but Postecoglou has not been afraid to rotate after European matches, so Moore could form part of a youthful attack with Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert.
Postecoglou is not so spoiled for choice in midfield, where Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur should both reprise their roles, but Pape Sarr could return to the engine room to give Yves Bissouma a rest.
As was the case in last weekend's 1-1 draw with West Ham United, a new-look defence ought to feature Djed Spence, Ben Davies, Kevin Danso and Archie Gray, although the latter can function in midfield too.
Spurs enter gameweek 36 in a lowly 16th position in the Premier League table, just one point better off than recent foes West Ham and 14 points adrift of the top half.
Ben Knapton
