With the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League group stage completed, English Premier League will take over as the dominant footballing action for the remainder of the month. It kickstarts with the match week 12 on Saturday, December 12.

With PL games coming thick and fast, we bring to you some of the names who could be the standout performers in your fantasy team this weekend.

Player: Patrick Bamford

Match: Leeds United vs West Ham United

The ideal executioner of Marcelo Bielsa's masterplan, England's Patrick Bamford has been a revelation in the Premier League this season. Since his first goal at the Anfield, where Leeds United announced their arrival against defending champions Liverpool, Bamford has led Bielsa's three-pronged attack through the middle scoring eight goals in 11 matches. His hat-trick against Aston Villa exhibited the phenomenal talent that English football has at its disposal. After scoring blanks against Arsenal and Everton, Bamford was Leeds' sole goal-scorer in their loss to Chelsea last week. With a less competitive challenger in West Ham United up next, Bielsa would be hoping his striker can turn on the heat.

Player: Son Heung-min

Match: Crystal Palace vs Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min is undoubtedly the most popular footballer in North London right now after his screamer against arch-rivals Arsenal. The 28-year-old South Korean has been Jose Mourinho's best player this season so far, partnering alongside England talisman Harry Kane up front - who have been their goal-scoring threat against their PL opponents. Son has tallied a whopping 10 goals in 11 PL encounters so far, with his four-goal cameo against Southampton the best so far. While a conservative Crystal Palace would pose a different challenge for Mourinho’s men, Son remains his best shot at unlocking their rivals defence. And given his current form, Son is a must for any fantasy manager.

Player: Mohamed Salah

Match: Fulham vs Liverpool

Unlike last season, where Mohamed Salah wasn't Liverpool's most potent threat, he has been at his usual best this time around. The Egyptian international has played 10 games for the Reds in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals and assisting twice. And the availability of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have hardly mattered for the right-winger who has been at his prolific best. Though Salah was one of the very few Liverpool regulars to feature in their midweek UEFA Champions League clash, where he leapfrogged Steven Gerrard as the club's highest UCL goal-scorer, he is expected to start against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Interestingly, an underperforming Fulham have conceded 21 goals in 16 PL matches this season and Salah will certainly fancy his chances to add to his goal-scoring tally.

Player: Kevin De Bruyne

Match: Manchester United vs Manchester City

If there has been a Manchester City player who is as important to Pep Guardiola, as Lionel Messi was to him in Barcelona, it is Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgium international is the lynchpin at his favourite number 10 position for City, who orchestrates Guardiola's team like a well-oiled machine. After a slow start to the campaign, where De Bruyne didn't feature in the first few games, he is now back to his very best. Playing nine games for the Cityzens, De Bruyne has been directly involved in eight goals. City's next match is against arch-rivals Manchester United, who have just been dumped out of the UEFA Champions League by Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. There will be no better time to go to Manchester derby and earn a legendary status for himself at Old Trafford.

Player: Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Match: Everton vs Chelsea

For Everton to become a giant slayer and a top-four contender, which they have shown the intent of early in the season, Dominic Calvert-Lewin needs to keep his magical form going. The English forward has come of age in the 2020-21 Premier League season with 11 goals to his name in as many games, becoming the perfect number 9 any manager could wish for. With James Rodriguez and Richarlison flanking him, Calvert-Lewin has no dearth of deliveries inside the box and the striker has been brimming with confidence this season. With goals against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, Calvert-Lewin will be confident about scoring against a star-studded Chelsea side at Merseyside on Saturday.

Gameweek 10 of the English Premier League promises to be another enthralling round of fascinating fixtures. Right from Everton’s home game against Leeds United to Tottenham’s trip to Stamford Bridge, fans are certain to be entertained.

The fantasy managers, however, will once again have the selection dilemma with so many football stars pitted against each other. To ease the pressure, we give you five players who are tipped to shine in the upcoming games.

Andrew Robertson (Liverpool) vs Brighton

Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson has been quiet so far, this season. With a solitary goal and three assists in nine Premier League games, the Scotland international has been a shadow of his former self. Hence, Liverpool’s clash against Brighton on Saturday will be a great chance for the full-back to not only get bonus points from a clean sheet but contribute to the goals as well. If you are looking for a defender, Robertson is definitely your man.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton) vs Leeds United

If there’s one player who needs to be a constant in every fantasy team this season, it is Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The 23-year-old striker has bagged 10 goals in nine Premier League games this season and judging how Everton have been faring so far, the tally is sure to rise. Leeds United, on their part, have kept just three clean sheets so far, conceding eight goals in their last three outings. Hence, Calvert-Lewin’s ability to breach the defences should come in handy.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United) vs Southampton

Bruno Fernandes�?influence in the Manchester United squad is unparalleled, to say the least. The 26-year-old Portugal international has been the club’s driving force since arriving in January and is arriving at the Southampton clash with three goals in his last two games - which includes the winner against West Brom. Now, Southampton may well and truly be a tough nut to crack, but if there’s anyone in the Manchester United team who can unlock their defence, it is Bruno Fernandes.

Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspur) vs Chelsea

Chelsea might have been unbeaten against Tottenham in their last three games, but Jose Mourinho's Spurs are a different beast this season. The former Chelsea and Manchester United manager has taken the team to the top of the Premier League standings and a certain Son Heung-Min has been in the form of his life. Having already scored nine goals in the league this season, the South Korean international will be the one to keep a keen eye on against Chelsea.

Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) vs Fulham

Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy has scored two goals in his last two games against Fulham. Moreover, his current form remains another concern for the Cottagers as he comes on the back of five goals and an assist in his last six games across all competitions. A potential threat for any opposition, Fulham will be wary of Vardy’s goal scoring abilities, especially with their leaky defence (Fulham have conceded 18 goals in the league).

Premier League football returns after the mid-week UEFA Champions League action, and as the competition is now five games old, we have a pretty decent idea about who to pick in the fantasy teams. Some exciting rounds of games await, and we believe these five names will bring you a lot of luck this week:

Player: Jack Grealish

Team: Aston Villa

Match: Aston Villa vs Leeds United

Aston Villa’s scorching start to the new Premier League season is largely owed to a brilliant form of their captain and midfielder Jack Grealish. In four appearances this season, the 25-year-old has contributed in as many as six goals (three goals and three assists). Riding high on confidence, Grealish’s Villa welcome Leeds United on Friday night (Saturday midnight as per IST). Leeds have had a decent start to the season, but kept a solitary clean sheet so far, and with Villa banging in goals left, right and centre, expect Grealish to be the focal point.

Player: Sergio Aguero

Team: Manchester City

Match: West Ham United vs Manchester City

With several first-team players out nursing injuries, Pep Guardiola is certain to rely on his striker Sergio Aguero when they take on West Ham United on Saturday. West Ham have scored 16 goals in their last five appearances in all competitions but managed to keep their goal clean on just two occasions. City, on the other hand, have rightly been wobbly, but scored in all of their games so far this season. As far as Aguero is concerned, he scored in his last outing - a 3-1 win over Porto in the Champions League - and will be hoping for more of the same on Saturday.

Player: Bruno Fernandes

Team: Manchester United

Match: Manchester United vs Chelsea

The fact that Bruno Fernandes has been directly involved in 19 goals in his 18 Premier League appearances for Manchester United (11 goals, 8 assists) represents a significant worry for Chelsea. Like Manchester City, United have been extremely unpredictable but their record against Chelsea gives them an edge. Fernandes is arguably United’s most influential player and he has continued to dominate the proceedings. In his four Premier League outings, the Portuguese has bagged three goals and two assists, and one can expect another stern performance from the former Sporting man.

Player: Sadio Mane

Team: Liverpool

Match: Liverpool vs Sheffield United

Liverpool take on Sheffield United on Saturday night (Sunday midnight as per IST) with a hope of extending their unbeaten Premier League run at Anfield to 62 matches. And one man who can have a big say in it is Sadio Mane. Sheffield are one of the four teams that are yet to win a game this season, and the fact that their defence has conceded seven goals works well for Mane and Co. The Senegalese has scored four goals in his last four appearances, including a brace against Chelsea, and he is highly tipped to do the same against the Blades.

Player: Son Heung-Min

Team: Tottenham Hotspur

Match: Burnley vs Tottenham

Tottenham blew their 3-0 advantage against West Ham United last time out but on Monday night (Tuesday midnight as per IST), they are likely to come out with all three points as they face Burnley away from home. And as one can expect, Son Heung-Min is going to be extremely integral. The South Korean has bagged seven goals and two assists in five Premier League games, and the number is only expected to be on the rise from here on. Given Burnley’s defensive frailties, the 28-year-old will be looking forward to piling further misery. A must-have in your team.  

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Alex Pantling

Tottenham Hotspur finally got one in the win column in the Premier League after beating Southampton 5-2 at St. Mary's Stadium.

Jose Mourinho's men lost 1-0 on the opening weekend against Everton and were seemingly heading for another negative result after trailing early to a Danny Ings goal. However, Heung-Min Son's equaliser in the second minute of first-half stoppage time turned the tide of the contest and the Londoners ran riot in the second half as Son struck thrice and Harry Kane, who assisted all four goals, added a fifth to give their side a 5-1 lead.

Danny Ings scored from the penalty spot in the 90th minute to make 2-5, but it was Tottenham Hotspur, who were without new signings Sergio Reguilon and Gareth Bale, who took home all three points.

The South Korean created history by becoming only the second Asian player after former Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa to score a hattrick, and the first to score four goals in a game in Premier League history.

5 - Harry Kane is the first player to be directly involved in 5 goals in a @PremierLeague game (1 goal, 4 assists) since Mo Salah v Watford in March 2018 (4 goals, 1 assist). It's the second time Kane has done so (also May 2017 v Leicester). Quintet. pic.twitter.com/3c4UbYzeKi

�?OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 20, 2020

Harry Kane becomes the sixth player to provide 4+ assists in a single Premier League game:

Dennis Bergkamp (1999)
José Antonio Reyes (2006)
Cesc Fàbregas (2009)
⚪️ Emmanuel Adebayor (2012)
Santi Cazorla (2013)
⚪️ Harry Kane (2020)

It's a north London thing.

�?Jake Entwistle (@JakeEntwistle) September 20, 2020

 

Kane when Ings scored.... pic.twitter.com/XUNZrprWi0

�?Tottenham Funnies (@SpursFunnies) September 20, 2020

 

Harry Kane also created history, as he became only the seventh player in Premier League history to assist four goals in a single match. The Spurs skipper joined Dennis Bergkamp, Jose Antonio Reyes, Cesc Fabregas, Emmanuel Adebayor, Santi Cazorla and Dusan Tadic to achieve the feat.

While Spurs fans were obviously delighted by their star men's performances, fantasy players that had Kane and Son in their line-up were also jubilant. Here are the best reactions:

Harry Kane only completed 7 passes vs. Southampton �?4 were assists.

Insane. pic.twitter.com/NiCC21AAsM

�?Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 20, 2020

 

Kane assisting Son today: pic.twitter.com/7faa4aZHJQ

�?Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) September 20, 2020

 

Mourinho adding Bale to the Son and Kane partnership: pic.twitter.com/d6rqziyikf

�?Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) September 20, 2020

 

Have Son in my FPL team but Spurs are winning... pic.twitter.com/1tVOvGIAix

�?LTArsenal�?(@ltarsenal) September 20, 2020

 

Son plus Kane = 40 points

My FPL = 33 points pic.twitter.com/aLxYKgnWPV

�?AyoTheMide (@Mide_yy) September 20, 2020

 

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Andrew Boyers

Last season finish: 6th in Premier League (16W-11D-11L, 59 points) 

Head coach: Jose Mourinho

2019-20 top scorer: Harry Kane (18 goals)

Other Trophies in 2019-20: None

There are two names that stand out as we start our discussion about Tottenham Hotspur. One of them is their star striker Harry Kane and the other is their manager Jose Mourinho. Needless to say, the club's fortunes in the 2020/21 Premier League season are heavily reliant on these two men. 

All of Tottenham's strategies over the years have been pretty much centred around Kane and it didn't change even when Jose Mourinho took over as the Spurs manager midway into the last season. The English forward did have to sit out for a long duration due to injury and it can be said that Mourinho did a fair job to alter his gameplan without Kane. But such is the influence of the striker on this club that he still finished as their top scorer in the 2019/20 Premier League season despite missing so many games. So it goes on to say how important Kane is going to be for Spurs this year as well.

Speaking about Mourinho, what he guarantees is an organized and solid defence. How he unlocked Serge Aurier's full potential last season and the way he found a completely rejuvenated Eric Dier at the back can be considered to be a defensive masterstroke. Not only that, but he also introduced the world with the talent of Japhet Tanganga as well. 

• Premier League 2020/21: Arsenal season Preview

It's still controversial, though, how he handled Tanguy Ndombele and his offensive strategies are something that will be under the spotlight this season. But Mourinho is one of the best tactical minds in world football. He had a lot on his plate to deal with when he joined the club in their chaotic condition last season. This will be his first full season as Spurs' manager and the fans would be expecting the same thing that he has been always associated with -- TROPHIES!

Issues they faced last season

Mourinho brought some much-needed organization in a leaky Spurs defence once he took over the charges as their manager towards the middle of the last season. But there was still some improvement left to be made as far as Tottenham's offensive play was concerned. 

Their forwards and midfielders often appeared directionless in absence of Kane. Although the likes of Heung-Min Son, Dele Alli, Lucas Moura and Steven Bergwijn came up with flashes of brilliance from time to time, the forward lines still lacked the cohesion that is generally seen in Kane's presence.

The Englishman's fitness is once again going to be a concern this season and Mourinho needs to devise good plans so that the team doesn't lose their scoring efficiency in Kane's absence. Son, Bergwijn and Alli can be world-class when used properly and that's why Mourinho needs to figure out the way with which he can bring the best out of all three of them.

• Five players from newly-promoted sides who can impress in the Premier League

Also, they lacked a creative force in the midfield once Christian Eriksen left the club. So that is another area that requires attention. 

Have the Issues been fixed?

Mourinho is well aware of their need for offensive improvement and that's why he has bolstered the squad by signing Matt Doherty and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton respectively. Doherty has been one of the best wing-backs in the league in the last couple of seasons. He has scored and assisted on multiple occasions for Wolves and Mourinho will be eager to see him performing in a similar role for Spurs as well.

As far as Hojberg is considered, Mourinho would want him to be the man who would help in forming an organized link-up between their attack and defence. Hojbjerg is expected to sit deep inside the midfield, doing the holding job mainly. But he can be a major creative force during counterattacks as well. Such qualities fit Mourinho's bill perfectly and the manager would have high hopes from him this season.

• Five teenagers to keep an eye on in the 2020/21 Premier League season

Apart from these two, Joe Hart has also been brought on a free transfer. The Englishman serves as a quality backup for Hugo Lloris with the keeping gloves. We might see Hart playing a lot of cup games as well and that might help Mourinho in easing up Lloris' workload.

Predictions for 2020/21 season

Mourinho did a pretty good job to guide Spurs to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season considering the condition the club was in prior to his arrival. They are in much better shape now if the latest acquisitions are anything to go by. But since beating the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title will be a tough job, Mourinho won't settle for anything less than a top-four finish. However, winning at least one silverware will be one of his season objectives and he will go all out for it.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Ian Kington

The 2020/21 season of the Premier League marks its return this Saturday, with as many as six games being lined up for the weekend. With Manchester City and Manchester United having played their part in the European competitions last season, their respective games against Aston Villa and Burnley have been postponed.

So as things stand, the league kicks off with Fulham taking on FA Cup champions Arsenal at home, followed by Crystal Palace and West Ham hosting Southampton and Newcastle United respectively. Leeds United travel to Liverpool to face the defending champions, while Leicester and Everton play away to West Brom and Tottenham respectively.

That said, the fantasy managers are certain to be in a dilemma as far as picking the right players, and thus, here we give you five names that are most likely to give you maximum points.

Player: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Team: Arsenal

Match: Fulham vs Arsenal

Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is the man in form. The 31-year-old, in fact, is coming off the back of scoring five goals and an assist in his last three appearances, which includes an FA Cup final against Chelsea and the Community Shield game against Liverpool.

Having scored 22 goals in 36 league matches last season, Aubameyang is one to keep a keen eye on this campaign. The Gabon international is certain to make an impact against Fulham, be it through a goal or even an assist, and thus, a must-have player in your team.

Player: Allan Saint-Maximin

Team: Newcastle United

Match: West Ham United vs Newcastle United

Versatile forward Allan Saint-Maximin has given his team Newcastle United a whole new edge altogether. Blessed with extremely impressive dribbling capabilities, and delivering defence-splitting passes, the 23-year-old is sure to be an absolute threat to West Ham United on Saturday.

The young Frenchman was recently on target during his side’s training game against Middlesbrough at Rockliffe Park, and you can expect nothing less from him when the league resumes. 

Player: Pablo Hernandez

Team: Leeds United

Match: Liverpool vs Leeds

Nine goals and as many assists in 36 Championship games last season made midfielder Pablo Hernandez one of the main reasons why Leeds achieved promotion to the Premier League. Playing in the heart of his team’s midfield, or sometimes even out wide, Hernandez will be the one his team will count on if they are to take anything positive from their away trip to Liverpool.

Known for delivering cutting through-balls and having a go at goal from distance, expect the 35-year-old to play a massive role in Leeds�?attempt at causing an upset in their tournament opener.

Player: Jamie Vardy

Team: Leicester City

Match: West Brom vs Leicester

For someone who has committed a long-term future to the club, a goalscoring start would be an ideal way to kick off the new season. The top scorer of the 2019/20 season, striker Jamie Vardy is rightly tipped to be on target as his team face newly-promoted side West Brom away from home.

A man who has carried Leicester in the league since their promotion in 2014, Vardy ended the previous campaign as one of the top points-getters in the fantasy league, and you can expect more of the same on Sunday.

Player: Son Heung-Min

Team: Tottenham Hotspur

Match: Tottenham vs Everton

Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min has enjoyed relatively decent outings against Everton of late. He was, in fact, on target twice when Tottenham registered their last victory over the Toffees (December 2018) prior to the 2019/20 season. 

Tottenham taking Everton has been a feisty encounter, to say the least, as both teams have managed to cancel each other out some way or the other. As for the South Korean, he has bagged three goals in as many friendlies for his side recently, and he would want to build on the momentum by delivering what is expected of him against Everton.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Owen Humphreys

Hugo Lloris insisted he had made peace with Son Heung-min after the Tottenham stars were involved in a furious row during their side's 1-0 win against Everton on Monday.

As Son walked towards the tunnel at half-time, France goalkeeper Lloris confronted the South Korea forward, shouting at him and shoving his shoulder.

The usually placid Son responded angrily and the pair had to be kept apart by team-mates Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko as the altercation threatened to boil over.

Lloris was irked by Son's failure to close down a loose ball in midfield moments before Everton threatened through Richarlison.

"I think to concede a chance a few seconds before half-time because we didn't make a press annoyed me. But yeah, that's football," Lloris said.

#thfc team-mates Hugo Lloris and Heung-Min Son clashing at half-time. [Football Daily] pic.twitter.com/V9EqdWdF2z

�?Hotspur Related (@HotspurRelated) July 6, 2020

Neither of the feuding players was hauled off at the break as Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho tried to keep the peace.

Son and Lloris looked to have buried the hatchet when they hugged at the final whistle in north London after Tottenham secured their second win since the coronavirus hiatus.

"It just belongs to the changing room. Outside you can say whatever you want. What happened is just part of football sometimes," Lloris said.

"Let's be honest, we are in a situation we are not happy with so we have to fight, to make sure we all go in the same direction.

"Most important is to stay focused on the team. We can only do it as a team.

"When you play a season like this one it's very easy to fall apart but we showed we are still together.

"There is no problem at all. You could see after the game we were fine."

Tottenham sealed the points thanks to a first half own goal from Everton defender Michael Keane, who deflected in Giovani Lo Celso's shot.

It was somehow fitting that the always combative Mourinho's 200th Premier League victory featured the flare-up between Son and Lloris.

In fact, Mourinho was delighted with the row because it showed a desire to win.

Lloris & Son at full-time hugging it out after they clashed at HT. pic.twitter.com/JB5NHcCJi6

�?The Spurs Web ⚪️ (@thespursweb) July 6, 2020

"That's beautiful. It's probably as a consequence of our meetings, so if you want to blame someone blame me," he said.

"I asked them to demand more from each other and put colleagues under pressure. It was the situation of the first half where an amazing kid, a team boy like Sonny, that the captain thought 'you have to do more'.

"A team of nice boys, the only thing they can win at the end of the season is the Fair Play Cup. Something I have never won and have no interest in winning.

"What happened should not happen on the pitch, it should happen inside the dressing room, but I promise you my winning teams we had big fights in the team."

- Stroke of luck -

Tottenham's second win in their last 10 games in all competitions lifted them into eighth place in the Premier League one point behind north London rivals Arsenal in seventh.

Just a year after reaching the Champions League final under previous boss Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham have been reduced to fighting for a place in the Europa League.

This win ensured they could still avoid being out of European competition entirely for the first time since the 2009-10 season.

Everton haven't beat Tottenham since 2012 and a first defeat in four games could end their European hopes for this term. 

Thursday's limp 3-1 defeat at Sheffield United left Mourinho questioning the desire of his players, but took the lead in the 24th minute thanks to a welcome stroke of luck.

Son found Harry Kane in the area and his effort deflected to Lo Celso, whose shot was going wide until it span wickedly off Keane to wrong-foot Everton keeper Jordan Pickford.

Everton finally threatened in stoppage-time when Richarlison burst forward to shoot wide after Son failed to chase down the loose ball.

Following Lloris's angry exchange with Son, both players were in the spotlight for more positive reasons in the second half as Tottenham held firm.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Adam Davy

Tottenham Hotspur striker Son Heung-min was named one of the top five recruits in his unit as he finished three weeks of compulsory military training in South Korea on Friday.

South Korea's marine corps posted pictures of Son wielding an M-16 assault rifle and saluting on their Facebook page as he completed his stint at a boot camp.

All able-bodied South Korean men are obliged to serve in the military for nearly two years, making up the bulk of Seoul's 600,000-strong forces -- who face off against North Korea's army of 1.3 million.

But Son -- the top Asian goalscorer in Premier League history, and the Asian Football Confederation's reigning international player of the year -- was in the South Korean team that earned an exemption by winning gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.

The Spurs star broke down in tears of joy after the 2-1 extra-time win over Japan, which meant he could fulfil his obligations with just three weeks' basic training and around 500 hours of community service. 

Tottenham's Heung-Min Son has completed his three-week military training in South Korea.

He finished in the top five out of 157 trainees, per @TheKoreaHerald pic.twitter.com/Ie951vut4G

�?Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 8, 2020

In April he reported to a marines camp on the island of Jeju for the basic training, which involved lengthy hikes, as well as tear-gas training and rifle practice.

He was judged among the five best recruits out of 157 on his course, a spokesperson for the Republic of Korea Marine Corps told AFP.

"Son did exceptionally well in all areas of training, including military ethics and security education," he added.

Likes poured in for the Facebook pictures, with fans posting messages of congratulation.

"He indeed is world-class. I'm a die-hard Son Heung-min fan," wrote one South Korean marine veteran.

The Premier League has been suspended since mid-March due to the coronavirus and no date has yet been set for a resumption.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Republic of Korea Marine Corps

London, United Kingdom | AFP | Monday 4/6/2020 - 21:47 UTC+5 | 272 words

Tottenham forward Son Heung-min will start four weeks of national service in South Korea this month.

Son returned to Asia recently after the Premier League was postponed because of the coronavirus and is in a two-week quarantine period.

With English football unlikely to return soon, the South Korea star will complete compulsory military service in his home country before returning to north London next month.

"The club can confirm that Son Heung-min will commence his mandatory military service in South Korea this month," a Tottenham statement said on Monday.

"Son will return to London following the conclusion of his military service in May."

Son hopes to start on April 20 and is reported to be serving in the Military Corps.

He is recovering after surgery in Seoul on the broken arm he suffered in Tottenham's win at Aston Villa in February.

The 27-year-old uploaded pictures and a video on Instagram last week, showing him skipping without a cast on his arm.

View this post on Instagram

Stay safe #hometeam @adidas

A post shared by Son HeungMin(손흥�? (@hm_son7) on Mar 31, 2020 at 2:00am PDT

On his return to England after the operation, he was forced into two weeks of isolation and had only been back at the club's Hotspur Way training complex for a week or so before it was closed following the government's instructions to stay at home.

The enforced break has worked in Son's favour as he will almost certainly be fit when the action does restart, having originally expected to have missed the remainder of the season.

Son's national service should have been 21 months, but he earned an exemption in 2018 when he was part of the South Korea team that won the Asian Games, with Tottenham allowing him to leave midway through the 2018-19 campaign.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Justin Tallis

Son Heung-min said he had repaid the support shown to him by teammates and fans by scoring twice against Red Star Belgrade, just days after being involved in an incident that saw Everton midfielder Andre Gomes break his ankle.

The South Korean's red card for the challenge on Gomes in Sunday's 1-1 draw was rescinded with the damage inflicted by the way the Portuguese midfielder fell after being tripped by Son.

Son left the field in tears and had to be consoled by Everton captain Seamus Coleman in the dressing room afterwards with teammates saying he was "devastated."

However, he was still selected by Mauricio Pochettino for the trip to Belgrade and responded perfectly with two goals in four second half minutes as Spurs ran out 4-0 winners.

"Of course it was a really tough few days, but with our teammates I realised how lucky I am," Son, who held his hands up apologetically after scoring, told BT Sport.

"Everyone kept me so strong. I still feel really sorry about this accident and this situation, but I had to focus for the team as well.

Read | Everton's Andre Gomes expected to make full recovery after ankle surgery

"I think this is my right answer to all the people who supported me."

Victory was Tottenham's first win away from home since a stunning comeback to beat Ajax 3-2 in Amsterdam in May to progress to last season's Champions League final.

Pochettino's men are 11th in the Premier League, already 10 points adrift of a Champions League slot for next season after 11 games.

However, they are well on course for the last 16 of this season's Champions League as they moved four points clear of Red Star in second place in Group B.

"It's so important to win this game," added Son. "We had a good attitude and we played really well. It's massive for us to take this confidence for the upcoming games

"We should know we can play so well in the away games as well. We should take the positives and bring these things to a few more away games."

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Andrej Isakovic