South Korea manager brushes off rising doubts regarding exceptional Son Heung mins condition

Son Heung min, the nations top capped footballer and runner up in all time goals, wasted several opportunities during Tuesdays narrow 1 0 loss against Austria, as his recent displays face intense scrutiny before this summers global tournament.

The 33 year old remained an unused substitute at the start of South Koreas heavy 4 0 reversal to Ivory Coast the previous week, something head coach Hong put down to a bout of poor health.

Son Heung min remains the core of our squad, and I have absolutely no reservations about that, Hong stated to the media.

I made efforts to manage his playing time since he arrived at training camp suffering from a cold. From my perspective, Son Heung min continues to excel in his role as skipper and seasoned squad member.

Son, still goalless for Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles FC during the current campaign, recently countered claims of any drop in his abilities.

Should the moment arrive for me to depart the international setup, I will choose to do so independently. If my standards fall below elite level, I do not belong in the national side, he explained to journalists.

I must head back to my team and strive for improved showings. It frustrates me that discussions of fading form arise every time I endure a goal drought.

I understand the immense pressure due to my long scoring record. I always give maximum effort, and my body feels strong.

South Korea finds itself in Group A for the event running from June 11 to July 19, joined by joint hosts Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic.