Full-time Without Even Painkillers... Even the Korean National Team Doctor Couldn't Deter His Will to Play
On the morning of the 3rd (Korean time), at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, during the third match of Group H in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Son Heung-min of the South Korean national team celebrated with a clenched fist after defeating Portugal. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Medical experts have expressed the opinion that Son Heung-min's participation in the 2022 Qatar World Cup was a risky attempt. This suggests that his orbital fracture injury, which even involved heading the ball during matches, was more serious than initially thought.
Son Heung-min suffered a facial fracture and underwent surgery during a UEFA Champions League (UCL) match last month. It was a major injury requiring several months of recovery, making his participation in this World Cup uncertain.
However, Son showed strong determination. Saying he would play even if there was only a 1% chance, he played full-time in all three group stage matches and the round of 16 while wearing a protective mask on his face. He was even seen contesting aerial balls or briefly removing the mask while running.
The condition of Son Heung-min’s body at that time was more serious than expected. Wang Junho, an orthopedic professor at Samsung Seoul Hospital and the team doctor for the Korean national team, said on YTN's "News Rider" on the 8th, "Usually, strong narcotic painkillers or strong medications are used for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery," adding, "(However) Son only used anesthesia once on the day of surgery due to doping and drug tests, and afterward only took the mildest painkiller in the Tylenol family and endured the pain." He added, "From a doctor's perspective, playing a match less than three weeks after surgery is truly unthinkable."
On the morning of the 3rd (Korean time), Son Heung-min is heading the ball in the third match of Group H in the 2022 Qatar World Cup against Portugal at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. Photo by Yonhap News.
Some have even said that Son Heung-min’s participation in the World Cup was a gamble. According to the British Football Insider, medical expert Ben Dinnery said, "Son Heung-min needs rest and recovery first and foremost." Dinnery is an expert who analyzes data on player injuries on a Premier League (EPL) injury specialist site.
He believed Son felt pressure to play for the national team. Dinnery said, "There was a lot of media attention on whether Son Heung-min would go to Qatar," adding, "If it weren’t for the World Cup, Son would not have been placed in such a competitive environment."
He continued, "(Son) has done a lot over the years, and now he should just enjoy the opportunity to rest." Regarding Son’s return, he explained, "It will be decided after discussions about the risk of further injury."
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