Antonio Conte has confirmed that Tottenham star Heung-min Son will be out of action for up to four weeks, missing crucial games against Arsenal, Chelsea, and Leicester.
Son was removed from the action with 11 minutes to play during Spurs’ Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg defeat against Chelsea, but his injury was only noticed after the game.
Son left the pitch for a rest, but an injury was later discoveredGetty Conte will be without his key man when Spurs take on their two biggest rivals, Chelsea and ArsenalGetty
Conte was hoping to give his star forward a breather ahead of a hectic few weeks, but he’s now revealed he will be without the Korean likely until a league clash with Southampton on February 9.
“It was a strange situation against Chelsea,” Conte said.
“I made two substitutions together, with Lucas Moura and then Son.
“But not for injury, it was the substitution, but only to try and give them a bit of rest, the 15 minutes of rest.
Son continues to excel for Spurs no matter who the manager isGetty
Now the underperforming Harry Kane will have to take on the extra goal-scoring burdengetty
“Then the day after he [Son] felt a bit of pain in his muscle and in his leg and yeah he had a scan and now we need to make the right evaluation from the doctors.
“He’s injured and I don’t know but probably could stay without training sessions until the end of this cycle, until the end of the international break.”
The Premier League takes a pause on the weekend of January 29-30, but FIFA have advised teams to play their postponed games during that break.
Before that though, Spurs have a number of crucial games, including the second leg of their League Cup semi-final against Chelsea on January 12, as well as matches that will be key in the top four race.
Son’s injury further reduces Spurs’ chances of a first trophy since 2008 when they take on Chelsea who are 2-0 up in the Carabao semi-finalsGetty
Spurs’ games that Son will likely miss
Jan 9 vs Morecambe, FA Cup (H)
Jan 12 vs Chelsea, Carabao Cup (H)
Jan 16 vs Arsenal, Premier League (H)
Jan 19 vs Leicester, Premier League (A)
Jan 23 vs Chelsea, Premier League (A)
Spurs are unbeaten in the league since Conte took over eight games ago and are in an advantageous position when it comes to the battle for Champions League football, two points off of fourth-placed Arsenal with two games in hand.
The Gunners travel to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium for a north London derby showdown following the Chelsea clash, before Spurs then face Leicester and Chelsea again in the league.
They will have to face those challenges without joint top scorer Son though, who is unlikely to be available for selection until Conte’s side take on Southampton on February 9.
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