Son Heung-min will not be returning to Tottenham just yet after South Korea continued their journey in the Asia Cup thanks to a dramatic penalty shootout win over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

An early second-half goal from Abdullah Radif had put Son’s side on the brink of elimination before a 99th-minute equaliser from Choe Gue-Sung sent the game to extra time. Half an hour more couldn’t split the teams though and so it went to penalties.

Son scored his spot-kick, beating the goalkeeper despite him diving the right way, helping his team to a last-16 victory that keeps their hopes alive. The result means that the earliest he will be back is after the clash against Everton.

The 31-year-old, who is captain of both club and country, has missed the last few weeks of action for Spurs due to participation at the tournament. Pape Matar Sarr will be back sooner than expected though as an early returner from an international tournament with his Senegal knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this week.

“The latest I heard is he should be back tomorrow at some stage,” Postecoglou admitted on Tuesday when asked about Sarr. “Disappointed for him because Senegal had ambitions to win the competition but he did well for them again, he’s a key member and from our side it’s good to get him back. He should be fine for Saturday after arrival.”

Son’s last appearance came in the 3-1 win against Bournemouth which has seen him miss an FA Cup victory over Burnley and defeat to Manchester City in the following round, along with a 2-2 draw against Manchester United.

In his absence, Spurs chose to sign Timo Werner on a short-term loan deal and thus with his return, the former Chelsea star could be set for a cameo role going forward. Yves Bissouma is the only player that remains at an international tournament with his Mali in action this evening and currently beating Burkina Faso in the round of 16.

Thankfully for the Lilywhites, James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur have recently been welcomed back into the fold from injury to cover the absence of Sarr and Bissouma. However, very soon Postecoglou could have the full compliment of his midfield heading into the final half of the 2023/24 season.