Tottenham Hotspur have been given a dilemma ahead of the new season after Son Heung-min was selected by South Korea for the Asian Games.
Son has just represented his country at the World Cup but the forward had been expected to be ready to represent his club on the opening weekend of the campaign against Newcastle United.
However, Son has been selected as one of three over-age players for the Asian Games, leaving open the possibility of Son not returning to domestic action until the middle of September.
Spurs have the option of preventing Son from participating at the tournament but should he feature and South Korea win the tournament, the 26-year-old would become exempt from national service.
As it stands, Son is likely to have to commence that duty in 2020, which would last a period of 21 months.
Spurs also face the prospect of a number of players struggling to be ready for their first Premier League fixture due to featuring during the latter stages of the World Cup.
Darren Plant
