Spurs will once again have to do without the services of Heung-min Son at Watford this weekend after South Korea progressed through to the semi-finals of the Asian Games.
Having featured in the opening day victory at Newcastle United earlier in the month, the attacker has been away on international duty ever since.
As all South Korean citizens must complete military service, there is the real prospect of Spurs losing Son for two years.
There have been various ages given for when the 26-year-old would have to complete that service, with South Korean law saying it must be done by 28.
Delays have been allowed in the past in certain special cases, although these are not well received by the South Korean public.
However, he could avoid military service providing he scoops a gold medal in the Asian Games.
Having secured a 2-0 win over Iran last Thursday to seal a place in the quarter-finals, Son and his international teammates came up against Uzbekistan for a place in the final four.
Looking good to qualify after leading 2-1 at the break, South Korea needed an equaliser from Ui-jo Hwang in the 75th minute after Uzbekistan had turned the game on its head by taking a 3-2 lead.
Given the real prospect of penalties deciding Son’s future, Red Bull Salzburg forward Hee-chan Hwang netted the winner three minutes from the end of extra-time from the penalty spot.
In what will be a huge relief to Son, his international teammates and everyone connected with Spurs, his country will now face either Syria or Vietnam on Wednesday, August 29 for a place in the final.
Two more wins and the Lilywhites will not face the prospect of losing their attacker for two years.
The final will take place on Saturday, September 1, a day before Spurs’ game against Watford at Vicarage Road.
(football.london)
