South Korea forward Son Heung-min to undergo surgery ahead of FIFA World Cup in Qatar

South Korea forwardSonHeung-min's World Cup participation could be in doubt as he will undergo surgery on a facial fracture, his club Tottenham Hotspur said on Wednesday. Son, 30, was injured midway through the first half of Tottenham's Champions League tie at Olympique de Marseille following an aerial clash with Chancel Mbemba.

He required lengthy treatment on the pitch before being substituted and walking unsteadily down the tunnel. "We can confirm thatHeung-MinSonwill undergo surgery to stabilise a fracture around his left eye," Tottenham said on their website. "Following surgery,Sonwill commence rehabilitation with our medical staff and we shall update supporters further in due course."

ALSO READ |From Erling Haaland to Luis Diaz: Superstar footballers who won't be seen in FIFA World Cup in Qatar

South Korea's hopes at the World Cup which begins in less than three weeks rest heavily onSonwho has scored 35 goals in 104 appearances for his country. South Korea are in Group H with Portugal, Ghana and Uruguay. Tottenham did not say how longSonis likely to be out of action but his injury is a big blow to Antonio Conte's third-placed side who face Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday. They were already missing forward Richarlisonand winger Dejan Kulusevski.