Son Heung-min misses out again; rotation strategy signals focus... league schedule 'skipped' once more due to packed calendar

*This content was translated by AI.

South Korean striker Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) is expected to sit out again. This time, the decision is made to protect the player amid a tight schedule.

LAFC is set to face San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, USA, at 10:30 a.m. (Korean time) on the 3rd in the 11th round of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) Western Conference. After a recent slump, LAFC managed to turn things around with a victory in their previous match, climbing to third place in the Western Conference with 6 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses (20 points). The team is determined to continue its upward momentum against San Diego.

However, ace Son Heung-min may not play in this match. The MLS office analyzed the 11th-round fixtures on the 1st via its official website and mentioned the possibility of Son Heung-min sitting out the San Diego game.

The decisive reason is Son Heung-min's condition management and injury prevention. Son Heung-min started in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals against Toluca (Mexico) on the 30th of last month, providing two assists and leading his team to a 2-1 victory.

With a spot in the final within reach, LAFC is placing greater emphasis on the Champions Cup. Son Heung-min is more likely to skip the San Diego league match and instead participate in the second leg against Toluca on the 7th.

The MLS office explained, "LAFC head coach Marc Dos Santos indicated that he would implement rotation for the San Diego match ahead of the crucial Champions Cup semi-final second leg."

Earlier, Coach Dos Santos expressed dissatisfaction multiple times regarding the packed schedule. This time, he must consider not only the short rest period but also the travel distance between the United States and Mexico. Overcoming this hurdle successfully is important.

Due to the tight schedule, Coach Dos Santos previously gave Son Heung-min a rest during the league match against Minnesota.

However, there is also positive news. Denis Bouanga, the "another ace," is expected to fill Son Heung-min's absence. Bouanga missed the previous Toluca match due to a suspension for accumulated yellow cards. He faces less physical strain compared to other players and is expected to lead the attack in the San Diego match.

The MLS office stated, "Bouanga, LAFC's all-time leading scorer, has recorded 4 goals and 4 assists in the league this season. He is challenging for a historic record of scoring 20 or more goals for four consecutive seasons." It further added, "Considering various situations such as rotation, Bouanga is highly likely to start in the San Diego match."

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*This content was translated by AI.