Son Heung-min Returns Home Amid UK COVID-19 Surge... Undergoes Rehabilitation in Korea

Son Heung-min. [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] Son Heung-min (28), a member of Tottenham in the English Premier League (EPL), who was recovering from an injury, has returned to Korea due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Son Heung-min is reported to have arrived at Incheon Airport on the afternoon of the 28th via a flight from London, UK. Son suffered a fracture in his right arm during the 26th round Premier League match against Aston Villa on the 16th of last month. After returning home for surgery, Son went back to the UK earlier this month to continue rehabilitation. After undergoing a two-week self-quarantine upon arrival in the UK, Son rejoined his team on the 16th and was preparing for his comeback.

However, with the league's restart postponed amid the COVID-19 outbreak and the temporary closure of the team's training center in Enfield, on the outskirts of London, Son ultimately chose to return home. According to government guidelines for arrivals from Europe, he will undergo another 14-day self-quarantine.

Tottenham plans to have its players conduct real-time training sessions with the coaching staff via video calls starting from the 30th and will continue to provide support through ongoing communication with the medical and sports science teams. Injured players will check their physical condition and carry out rehabilitation training through video connections with physiotherapists.

The timing of Son Heung-min's return to the team is expected to be decided through consultations with the club, depending on the league's resumption schedule.

According to the UK Department of Health, as of the 28th (local time), there are 17,089 confirmed cases in the UK, with deaths exceeding 1,000, indicating that the spread of COVID-19 in the UK is intensifying. Following government officials such as Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock, royal family member Prince Charles has also tested positive and is undergoing treatment.