Son Heung-min has declared himself fit for the 2022 World Cup in a huge boost for South Korea.
The 30-year-old emerged as a major doubt for the tournament when it was revealed that he would need to undergo surgery to stabilise a fractured eye socket.
At that time, it appeared that his hopes of featuring in Qatar were over, but Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte recently said that he expected the attacker to be available for the competition.
"With Sonny, I sent him a message after the surgery," Conte told reporters after Sunday's loss to Liverpool. "Sonny was really, really disappointed with this situation but I hope for him to recover very well and to play in the World Cup because I was a player and I know the importance of the World Cup.
"He missed us tonight. I'm confident that he can come back quickly and play in the World Cup. He's not in hospital now, he's home."
© Reuters
South Korea will compete in Group H alongside Uruguay, Portugal and Ghana, with their tournament due to begin against Uruguay on November 24.
Son has taken to social media to confirm that he will be available to represent his side in Qatar.
The attacker said that he 'cannot wait to represent his beautiful country' at the competition, which will officially begin on November 20, with hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador.
"Hi everyone. I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you all for the messages of support I have received over the last week. I have read so many of them and truly, truly appreciate you all. In a tough time I received a lot of strength from you!" he wrote on Instagram.
© Reuters
"Playing for your country at the World Cup is the dream of so many children growing up, just as it was one of mine too. I won't miss this for the world. I can't wait to represent our beautiful country, see you soon."
South Korea finished fourth at the 2002 World Cup, overcoming Italy and Spain in the knockout rounds before losing to Germany and then Turkey, while they made the round of 16 in 2010 after a group-stage exit in 2006.
However, the country's last two tournaments in 2014 and 2018 have seen them eliminated in the group stage.
Son is South Korea's fourth-highest goalscorer of all time, having found the back of the net on 35 occasions in 105 caps for his country, in addition to registering 17 assists.
The Tigers of Asia will take on Iceland in a friendly on Friday, which will represent their final match before the World Cup begins.
England
Iran
USA
Wales
