Tottenham star Son Heung-min to begin mandatory military service in South Korea this month and won’t return until May

TOTTENHAM have confirmed that Son Heung-min will commence his mandatory military service in South Korea this month during the coronavirus season delay.

The 27-year-old will begin his four-week national service immediately, with the ex-Bayer Leverkusen forward not expected back in England until May.

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In , Spurs said: "The club can confirm that Heung-Min Son will commence his mandatory military service in South Korea this month.

"The forward arrived back in his home country at the end of March where he is currently in quarantine.

"Our medical staff are in regular contact as he concludes his recovery after fracturing his arm in our 3-2 win against Aston Villa on 16 February and continues to train.

"Sonny had surgery on his arm in South Korea before returning to the UK at the end of February to continue his rehabilitation, prior to the initial announcement of the professional game in England being suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Premier League has since announced that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is ‘safe and appropriate to do so’ and is under constant review.

"Son will return to London following the conclusion of his military service in May."

Under South Korean law, before the age of 28 you must complete 21 months of national service, unless you earn an exemption.

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Son earned his exemption after helping his country win gold at the Asian Games in 2018.

The speedy winger is currently recovering from a broken arm he suffered after falling hard during the opening minute of 3-2 win over Aston Villa – a game he scored a last-gasp winner in.

Providing an update last month, he said: “It’s already more than four weeks after surgery now and I’m doing very, very well and working hard to be ready to come back.”