Son Heung-min Successfully Undergoes Surgery... World Cup Participation Still Uncertain

The Telegraph: "Positive Outlook for World Cup Participation"
Football Association & Conte Coach: "Too Early to Discuss Possibility"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Son Heung-min, who suffered a fracture around his eye, has successfully undergone surgery and is now in the recovery process. The Korea Football Association announced on the 5th, "We received news from his club, Tottenham, that Son Heung-min's surgery went well." They added, "The national team medical staff is continuously communicating with Tottenham regarding the condition of the injured area."

Earlier, the British newspaper The Telegraph reported the same news, stating, "Son Heung-min is ready to participate in the 2022 Qatar World Cup." They said, "The medical team believes the surgery was carried out as planned," and "The outlook for his World Cup participation is positive."

However, the Korea Football Association stated, "Since the surgery was just completed, it is still too early to discuss Son Heung-min's possibility of participating in the World Cup." Antonio Conte, Tottenham's head coach, also said at a press conference held at the team's training ground on the same day, "We have not yet decided whether Son Heung-min will participate in the World Cup."

After Son Heung-min's injury was reported, the prevailing opinion in the domestic medical community was that he would need to rest for about a month. However, some predicted that since injuries are common among professional players, his return could be expedited. The Korean national team's first group stage match against Uruguay in the World Cup will be held on the 24th. The second match against Ghana is on the 28th, and the third match against Portugal will take place on the 3rd of next month.

On the 1st, during the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage match against Marseille in France, Son Heung-min collided forcefully with the shoulder of opposing player Chancel Mbemba, causing him to fall. He suffered a nosebleed, and his nose and the area around his eye became severely swollen. Son Heung-min checked his condition with the medical staff and was substituted in the 27th minute of the first half. The following day, an examination confirmed a fracture around his eye, and he underwent surgery.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.