Wednesday 25 April 2018 06:50, UK
Heung-Min Son wants to play at the Asian Games, according to South Korea's U23 coach, which means the Tottenham forward could miss the start of the Premier League season.
The final of the Games, which are being held in Indonesia, is on September 1 with the 2018/19 Premier League season kicking off on August 11.
Son has scored 18 goals for Spurs this season, but the 25-year-old could soon see his career interrupted because all able-bodied South Korean males must serve 21 months in the military and Korean law states that the period of service must begin before the age of 27.
However, exemptions are awarded to athletes who win a gold medal at the Asian Games, or an Olympic medal, and South Korea will be one of the favourites for the football title at the Games in Indonesia.
U23 coach Kim Hak-bum, who has been in Europe looking at candidates for the tournament, told Yonhap news: "Son has a strong will to compete at the Asian Games.
"But first, there's the World Cup. I told Son to play well in Russia, before we meet at the Asian Games."
Son, who could be selected as one of three overage wildcards, was refused permission by his former club team Bayer Leverkusen to play in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon - when the South beat North Korea in the gold medal match.
Since the Asian Games soccer tournament is not on the official FIFA calendar, clubs are under no obligation to release players, but Spurs may consider the possibility of giving Son the chance to earn an exemption.
Kim added "It's a sensitive issue.
"I believe the Korea Football Association will handle this matter well. The men's senior national team, the U23 team, the KFA and the player's club should all work closely."
