Tottenham Hotspurs might lose their key player in Son Heung-min if the South Korean fails to win the Asian Games.
The Tottenham forward is currently obligated to undertake a 21-month term in the military, which has to be done within the next two years but will be exempted if they win an Olympic or Asian Games gold.
The games kicked off on Monday in Malaysia, with Asian heavyweights all taking part in various activities.
The had a perfect start at the games, beating Bahrain 6-0 on Wednesday during their opening match, to clearly show their intent. Hwang Ui Jo scored the first hat trick of the games 17', 36' 43'. Other scorers were Kim Jinya 23', Na Sangho 41' and Hwang Hee Chan 90'+3.
Speaking before the games, Son said he was aware that other teams will also be going all out for the gold, but will do everything to ensure they win the tournament.
"Of course our target is gold but it is a long way to get to the final. How we approach the game mentally is important. I have thought about the Asian Games a lot," he said as quoted by the Telegraph.
’‘We beat Germany at the World Cup when nobody expected it. Like that, we could lose to other Asian teams here. We have to take each game as it comes, however, and if we don’t give everything in every game then it will be tough," he added.
Son has been a key member of a Tottenham side that has continuously performed at high levels in England, and he will be missed if it happens he leaves.