Son Heung-min, the captain of South Korea, will require surgery to stabilize a fracture around his left eye, casting doubt on his ability to compete in the World Cup.
The Tottenham Hotspur forward was hurt while playing for his team in Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Marseille.
The South Korean international left the field in the first half after being struck in the face by Chancel Mbemba’s shoulder while battling for the ball.
Tottenham made a brief statement about Son’s situation, acknowledging that the footballer will require surgery for the injury but omitting information on the star’s potential return.
“Following surgery, Son will commence rehabilitation with our medical staff, and we shall update supporters further in due course,” ” said a Spurs statement.
Assistant head coach Cristian Stellini spoke after the game, noting that Son celebrated with the team over the win.
“Sonny feels better now. I saw him in the dressing room. He celebrated with us,” said Stellini.
With South Korea set to play their first game on November 24 against Uruguay, Son will be a crucial player for his team to defeat the South Americans.
Son captained the team for the road to Qatar, scoring seven goals in 13 games in qualifications.
Dubbed one of the greatest South Korean footballers to have played at an elite level, Son has nailed six goals total in his two World Cup participations.
Since making his first senior appearance for South Korea in December 2010, the 30-year-old has scored 35 goals in 104 appearances for his country.
Rocky Lukaku
Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku has sustained another hamstring injury, Inter Milan confirmed on Monday.
A first-choice striker for Belgium, Lukaku’s latest injury has been headlined as a setback and not a rule-out after medical tests reevaluated the 29-year-old.
“It is not yet a line through the issue, but it is a setback for the player himself, his club, and the Red Devils [Belgium national team],” said team doctor Kristof Sas.
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez says the absence of Lukaku would
be “irreplaceable” and force the team to change tactics.
“At the Red Devils, he is irreplaceable. Every national team has irreplaceable players. Look at Argentina with Messi, Croatia with Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic, Spain and Germany also have such players. That’s just how it works,” Martinez voiced.
Since making his debut with the national team in 2010, the Inter striker has scored the most goals for his nation.
Five of the prolific attacker’s 68 goals for Belgium have come during the 2010, 2014, and 2018 World Cups.
Since Argentina’s late great Diego Maradona, Lukaku is the only player to have scored two goals or more in back-to-back World Cup games.
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