Son Heung-min set to miss start of Premier League season after Asian Games call-up

ByThe Editorial Team

Published 16/07/2018 at 15:14 GMT

Tottenham forward Son Heung-min could miss the start of the new Premier League season after being selected by South Korea to play in the Asian Games in Indonesia.

Son has been included as one of three overage players in the 20-man squad for the Under-23 tournament that runs from August 14 until September 1.

Tottenham begin their top-flight campaign at Newcastle on August 11 before facing Fulham, Manchester United and Watford before the first international break.

However, the Asian Games is not an official FIFA tournament and Tottenham can choose not to release the player.

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But if Son helps his country win the gold medal, he would be exempt from a 21-month long military service period that he is likely to have to start in 2020.

South Korea's U23 coach Kim Hak-bom said at a news conference on Monday: 'We first want to thank all these clubs for releasing their players.

Son could miss the start of the 2018/19 Premier League season

Image credit: Getty Images

'However, we haven't reached agreements on their release dates, so the Korea Football Association is looking for ways to confirm the dates.'

Son was also part of the senior South Korea squad that went to the World Cup in Russia this summer.

He scored two goals as they were eliminated at the group stage, including a 96th-minute effort in a memorable 2-0 victory over Germany that condemned the defending champions to an early exit.

Son is a key option for Tottenham and last term made 53 appearances across all competitions, netting 18 times and providing 11 assists.

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