South Korea international fractures arm in World Cup qualifier

Heung-min Son looks set to miss the start of Tottenham’s pre-season training after it was confirmed the South Korea international needed surgery on his fractured arm.

Son, who scored 21 goals last season, suffered the injury during the 3-2 World Cup qualification defeat to Qatar in Doha on Tuesday after landing awkwardly following an aerial challenge.

Scans later revealed the 24-year-old had sustained a fracture in his right forearm and is now set for an operation on Friday which could see him sidelined for at least four weeks.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side return for pre-season training on July 3, then head for a 10-day tour of America, with the first game on July 22, before returning to prepare for their Premier League opener at Newcastle on the weekend of August 12-13.

A statement on Tottenham’s official website read: “Heung-Min Son is to undergo surgery on his right forearm tomorrow (Friday).

“The South Korea international sustained the injury after landing on his arm during his national team’s World Cup qualifying match against Qatar in Doha on Tuesday, with further assessment and scans confirming that he has sustained a fracture.

“Son will continue to be monitored by our medical staff ahead of a return to action next season.”

South Korea issued a statement on the injury update, which suggested the player would need around a month of rehabilitation.

“After medical examination, Son’s diagnostic test showed that he fractured his right radius,” said the Korea Football Association, which also confirmed the departure of head Uli Stielike as their World Cup qualifying campaign hangs in the balance.

“He will have surgery sometime this week and is expected to fully recover at least four weeks after.”

Tottenham have yet to move in the summer transfer market, but have been linked with Monaco forward Thomas Lemar.

Spurs were runners-up to Chelsea in May, but signed off from last season with victory over Manchester United in the final home game before their White Hart Lane stadium was redeveloped, which was followed by putting six past Leicester and thumping Hull 7-1.

Hopes are high Pochettino’s squad, led by new England skipper Harry Kane, can go one better next time around.

Spurs open the 2017-2018 season at newly-promoted Newcastle, the Sky Bet Championship winners, before a first Wembley date when champions Chelsea head to the national stadium.

Pochettino sees no reason why Tottenham should not expect to hit the ground running and start just as well as they finished the previous campaign.

“We are starting to prepare the season and we cannot wait to start again,” he said on the club’s official website.

“This is a moment for our players to enjoy their holidays and try to recharge the batteries, but for us we are thinking about starting the season in the best condition.

“I am always positive about the fixtures. It is true, the Premier League is tough and we start in Newcastle, and then our first game at Wembley is against Chelsea. I am sure the fans will be excited for that as well.”