Tottenham Hotspur secured a 3-1 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-final first leg, but had to do so without one of their most in-form players.
Ahead of the first leg of their semi-final Europa League clash against Bodo/Glimt, Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou made several changes to his starting eleven, recalling key first-team players who had been rested against Liverpool.
The Australian coach confirmed on Wednesday that Heung-min Son would miss the encounter due to a foot injury, with centre-back Radu Dragusin also ruled out as a long-term absentee.
Another notable omission was Lucas Bergvall, who signed a new Tottenham contract earlier this week. The teenager was seen on crutches before kick-off and was wearing a protective boot on his right foot as a result of an ankle problem.
Lucas Bergvall has suffered an ankle injury
Bergvall has been instrumental to Tottenham this season, and his absence represented a significant blow.
That said, Spurs coped admirably without the young Swede, securing a comfortable 3-1 win that puts them in a commanding position ahead of the return leg against Bodo/Glimt in Norway.
Following their impressive first-leg result, Tottenham now have one foot in the Europa League final, with a potential all-English showdown against Manchester United on the horizon after Ruben Amorim’s side beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 San Mames.
Ange Postecoglou will be expecting his side to replicate their dominant performance when they travel to Norway for the second leg, where composure and control will again be crucial.
Should Tottenham overcome Bodo/Glimt over the two legs, Postecoglou could find himself with a genuine shot at silverware in just his second season at the helm.
What has looked like a bleak campaign could still end with silver linings.