When is Son Heung-min back from Asian Cup? Return date, games missed for Tottenham captain on South Korea duty

The 2023 AFC Asian Cup gets underway on January 12, 2024, with defending champions Qatar taking on hosting duties for the tournament.

Despite securing their first Asian Cup title in 2019, upheaval within the Qatar camp in the last 12 months has reduced expectation over their chances of retaining the trophy in the coming weeks.

Four-time winners Japan have been tipped as pre-tournament favourites alongside rivals South Korea and 2015 champions Australia.

South Korea will be led by Tottenham captain Son Heung-min with the experienced forward set for his fourth appearance at the AFC Asian Cup.

Should Jurgen Klinsmann's side perform as expected, Son will be missing for some time from the Spurs matchday squad during a busy stage of the season.

Here is a run-down of the matches he is predicted to miss and when he might be available for selection again for Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, who is bidding to enjoy a successful second half to his first season in charge.

 Premier League players at Asian Cup 2023: List of stars missing club games

International call-ups for both the AFC Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations have impacted domestic seasons despite the Premier League heading into a hybrid winter break in the coming weeks.

The length of Son's absence will depend on South Korea's progress in tournament but he is certain to miss at least one game for Tottenham: the Premier League trip to Manchester United on January 14.

If South Korea are eliminated at the group stages, Son's campaign would end on January 25, but it would be very unlikely for the 31-year-old to make it back in time for the FA Cup Fourth Round clash with Manchester City on January 27.

A group-stage elimination would likely mean Son is available to face Brentford in the