South Korean international forward Son Heung-min confirmed on Wednesday that he will be going to the World Cup despite undergoing surgery less than a week
The striker, who plays for Tottenham Hotspur, needed an operation last Friday to stabilize a fracture around his right eye which he suffered in his side's Champions League in Marseilles during the week.
It had raised fears that one of South Korea's key players could miss out on the trip to Qatar, but he looked to ease that worry with a message on his Instagram account this Wednesday.
"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."
"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," wrote Son.
The 30-year-old captains South Korea with 35 goals in 104 appearances and his experience will be vital in a tough group that contains Portugal, Uruguay and Ghana
