World Cup sensation Son called up to Asian Games

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South Korea's World Cup sensation Son Heung-min is in the “last chance saloon” in terms of earning a military service exemption to extend his career in Europe after he was called up to the South Korea squad for the 2018 Asian Games.

The Tottenham Hotspur star has been included as one of three over-age players in the 20-men squad for the Under-23 tournament, which runs from Aug. 14 to Sept. 1. The Premier League kicks off on Aug. 11.

However, the Asian Games is not an official FIFA tournament, and Tottenham can choose not to release the player. 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. However, we haven’t reached agreements on their release dates, so the Korea Football Association is looking for ways to confirm the dates.”

Son Heung-min cried after South Korea were eliminated at the group stage in the 2018 World Cup. /VCG Photo

Apart from Son, Daegu FC goalkeeper Cho Hyun-Woo, Verona winger Lee Seung-Woo and Red Bull Salzburg striker Hwang Hee-Chan have also been named in the squad less than a month after featuring for South Korea in the World Cup this summer.

The Taeguk Warriors were eliminated at the group stage despite sending the defending champions Germany home after clinching a surprising 2-0 win. Son scored twice at the World Cup, including the second goal against Germany. But the 26-year-old will have little time to rest.

Son Heung-min would likely miss Spurs' first four matches of the new Premier League season. /VCG Photos

The draw for the men's football tournament of the Asian Games is set to take place again this month after the United Arab Emirates and Palestine were omitted from the original selection.

Under a revised draw format, China are placed in the third group of seeds, which may see them being drawn in the same group as South Korea and Uzbekistan.

(With input from agencies.)