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Son Heung-min.

Setback for Spurs as star forward Son could miss crucial cup tie after South Korea call-up

The 26-year-old may be unavailable for selection for up to three weeks while the Asian Cup takes place.

TOTTENHAM STAR SON Heung-min could miss the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final after being called up to take part in the Asian Cup with South Korea.

The talented forward netted Spurs’ opening goal in their quarter-final victory over Arsenal on Wednesday night and was a constant menace throughout.

But it’s been confirmed that Son will join up with the South Korea squad following Spurs’ Premier League match with Manchester United on Sunday 13 January.

He will be available to play in the first leg against the Blues, which takes place during the week commencing 7 January, but could be absent for the second leg on week commencing 21 January.

The Asian Cup is to take place in the United Arab Emirates, with 24 nations from across Asia taking part from 5 January until 1 February.

Son is only joining up with South Korea ahead of their final group match, but if they progress, he could miss up to four matches for Spurs.

Aside from their Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are scheduled to face Fulham, Watford and Newcastle United during the time in which the Asian Cup takes place.

Whatever happens, Son is likely to be available for selection again for Spurs’ Premier League tie against Leicester City on February 10.

The Asian Cup usually takes place every four years and South Korea were the runners up in the last tournament, which was staged in 2015.

This year, they have been drawn to play against China, Philippines and Kyrgyz Republic in Group C, but Son will only be available to play against China.

In September, Son captained the South Korea side that won the Asian Games, which consequently meant that he would avoid military service for his country.

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    Mute grandslamkbo
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    Dec 20th 2018, 11:58 AM

    They didn’t have to release him for the dreadful Asia Games, but obviously it was in their best interests to see him win gold. You’d think Spurs would have worked out an agreement with the KFA. If he wins gold in Indonesia, he stays with us in January.

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    Mute irishoverseas
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    Dec 20th 2018, 12:36 PM

    @grandslamkbo: country before club and as proven he probably has more chance of winning trophies at international level.

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    Mute grandslamkbo
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    Dec 21st 2018, 2:23 AM

    @irishoverseas: 2 international tournaments in the space of 6 months. If I were a Spurs fan, I’d want him playing.

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