"If There's Even a 1% Chance..." Son Heung-min Expresses Determination to Participate in the World Cup

First Update After Surgery Shared via SNS
"World Cup Dream Unchanged... I Will Keep Moving Forward"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Son Heung-min (Tottenham), who is recovering at his home in London, UK, after facial fracture surgery, strongly expressed his determination to participate in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

On the 9th (Korean time), Son Heung-min shared an update for the first time after the surgery through his social media (SNS). He posted a photo of himself wearing the national team uniform and wrote, "I want to sincerely thank everyone for the support and encouragement messages I received over the past week. I received many messages of support and encouragement, and reading them gave me a lot of strength." He continued, "Playing for our country in the World Cup is something many children dream of as they grow up to become football players," and added, "I too have held onto that dream unwaveringly until now."

His grand hope was at risk of being dashed during the final Group D match of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage against Olympique Marseille (France) on the 2nd. While contesting an aerial ball, he collided strongly with the shoulder of opponent player Chancel Mbemba, causing him to fall. Bleeding occurred from his nose, and the area around his nose and eyes was severely swollen. Son Heung-min was substituted out after just 27 minutes in the first half. The next day’s examination revealed fractures in four areas around his eye, and he underwent surgery on the 4th.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Recovery requires at least four weeks. However, Son Heung-min expressed his intention to participate in the World Cup even if he has to wear a facial protective mask. He stated, "Considering the masks you have all endured and worn for over the past two years, the mask I will wear during the World Cup matches will be nothing." He then declared, "If there is even a 1% chance, I will look only forward and run toward the remaining time while wearing it."

With his strong determination to participate, Son Heung-min is highly likely to be included in the final 26-man squad to be announced by head coach Paulo Bento on the 12th. He is expected to finish outpatient treatment soon and begin rehabilitation with the Tottenham medical staff. The Qatar World Cup opens on the 21st. The national team, placed in Group H, will play its first match against Uruguay on the 24th.

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