South Korea coach says Son won't be pushed too hard in 2026 qualifiers
South Korea captain Son Heung-min will be used sparingly in their World Cup qualifiers against Iraq and Kuwait as he builds up his match fitness following a return from a foot injury, coach Hong Myung-bo said on Monday.
South Korea, who lead Group B by three points, face Iraq in Basra on 5 June before returning home for their final third-round qualifier against Kuwait five days later.
The Koreans will qualify for their 11th successive World Cup if they avoid defeat against Iraq, who last month appointed former Australia boss Graham Arnold as head coach.
Son has been managing the injury for the past two months and was limited to a substitute appearance in Tottenham Hotspur's 1–0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final.
"He and I have not yet discussed exactly how much he will play, but my staff and I already know all about his drive and desire to play," Hong told reporters.
"Since we have two matches coming up as part of World Cup qualification, I will not push him too hard. Once we arrive in Iraq, we will decide which of the two matches to prioritise."
The 56-year-old added that Son's experience would be invaluable in Iraq, even if he does not feature on the pitch.
"We will probably be playing in a hostile environment, in front of partisan fans," he said.
"We have some players who are experienced in such situations. It's something we must bear in mind going into the stadium for this match."
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