South Korea star’s Cup status iffy

Son Heung-min wore a mask at training with the South Korea team on Wednesday ahead of World Cup in Qatar and later expressed doubt about his availability for the start of the tournament because of his facial injury. The Tottenham forward hasn’t played since Nov. 2 when he sustained a fracture around his left eye following a collision with Marseille’s Chancel Mbemba in the Champions League. Son, above, underwent surgery two days later, sparking concerns about his availability for the World Cup. Speaking at a news conference after training in Doha, Son said it was “difficult for me to say when I can play.” “I will do the best I can under the circumstances,” Son added. “But it’s tough for me to say right now that I will play every game.” South Korea’s first game in Group H is against Uruguay on Nov. 24. Portugal and Ghana are also in the group. The 30-year-old Son said he was willing to take “risks” with his health. South Korea coach Paulo Bento said at the weekend that Son’s condition was being analyzed day by day by the medical staff.