Reliable journalist: Spurs blow as star attacker set to miss first two months of 2018/19 season
Tottenham are facing a "tough call" on whether they let Heung-Min Son play in the Asian Games.
Their star attacker has said that he wants to play and a gold medal would mean exemption from military service that he other wise be compelled to do for a year.
However, as ESPN's Tottenham correspondent pointed out, it would mean Son missing the start of the season, with manager Pochettino wanting to make a fast start.
Kilpatrick added that with the exertions of the World Cup, it could mean that Son is not back up to speed until October or "even later".
Football Insider verdict:
This is a dilemma for Tottenham. Son has been a hugely valuable asset to Tottenham's campaign and without him they would definitely be a weaker team. This could hinge on the players that Tottenham sign in the summer, with Ryan Sessignon one possible target who could fill in. Pochettino won't want to be without him until October though, and a tough season in the Premier league, followed by a World Cup and the Asian Games will really take it out of the attacker.
In other Tottenham news, Tottenham 21-year-old heads to new club ahead of reported June exit