Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min is set to miss the start of the 2018/19 Premier League season in what could come as a big blow to manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, reports the Daily Mirror.
Son, 26, has been named in the South Korean squad for the 2018 Asian Games to be held in Indonesia from August 14 to September 1. Pochettino does not have to release Son as it’s not an official FIFA tournament; however, our gaffer reportedly has no plans to stand in the forward’s way despite worrying about his availability.
Tottenham had 12 players participating in the recently concluded World Cup in Russia and they will be afforded little rest ahead of our club’s first game against Newcastle United on August 11.
Pochettino is likely to be without Son for the opening month of the Premier League season but the Asian Games is a vital one for the forward as it will offer him a last chance to earn an exemption from having to complete a two-year mandatory service with the South Korean military.
Should South Korea win a gold medal at the Games, Son will be automatically exempted along with the rest of his teammates. Otherwise, he will need to report for duty before the end of 2019.
Son is one of the three overage players named in the 20-man U23 squad along with goalkeeper Cho Hyun-Woo and forward Hwang Ui-jo.
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Let’s hope South Korea succeeds in winning gold at the Asian Games and Son is exempted from obligatory service with his nation’s military.
