Son Heung-min didn't dare to take painkillers at the World Cup
Son suffered four eye socket cracks after colliding with Chancel Mbemba in Tottenham's match against Marseille in the Champions League on November 1. He had to have surgery two days later and race against time to make it to the 2022 World Cup in an imperfect state.
Usually, after similar surgeries, patients will be given strong painkillers. But on the Korean television channel YTN on December 12, doctor Wang Joon-ho of Seoul Hospital said that Son did not take this drug, because it contained substances on the list of doping and drugs banned in sports. "Typically, strong painkillers are used two to four weeks after surgery," added Dr. Wang. "But Son only takes Tylenol - the mildest pain reliever and he suffers from constant pain."
This orthopedic surgeon also admires the will of the Korean captain. He added: "He has such determination and a strong heart that nothing can stop him."
Son's surgery was evaluated as a success. He recovered without the sequelae of "double vision" - seeing one object in two, and at the same time being able to compete in the 2022 World Cup with the help of a special protective mask.
Son Woong-jung - Son Heung-min's biological father and personal coach, also revealed that his son asked to perform surgery as soon as possible because he wanted to attend the World Cup. In the trailer for the program "You quiz on the Block" broadcast on December 12, he said: "My son uses cold compresses continuously except when he sleeps. Maybe that's why the swelling subsides faster."
The full episode will air on December 14. Here, Mr. Son Woong-jung will share more details about the rigorous training process for his son to become a world-class Asian player. Besides, he also recounted the hard days with his son to Germany to start his career in Europe.
An eye fracture seemed to make Son Heung-min miss the World Cup appointment in Qatar. However, he still played all four matches. The most memorable moment of the 30-year-old striker was the quick counterattack and then poked a slot for Hwang Hee-chan to score a 2-1 victory at the last minute against Portugal in the last round of the group stage, thereby helping Korea. Quoc won tickets to the knockout round for the first time in 12 years. They then stopped in the 1/8 round when they lost to Brazil 1-4.
On December 13, Son Heung-min left Korea for England to join forces with Tottenham Hotspur.
