Tottenham have learned that they will be without Son Heung-Min for most of January, so Ange Postecoglou has recalled the star player from his loan spell at the club.
On Thursday, Tottenham confirmed that Son had been included in the South Korean squad for next month’s AFC Asian Cup. With the striker likely to miss up to six Spurs games, Postecoglou has recalled 19-year-old Dane Scarlett from loan club Ipswich.
Scarlett has struggled to make any real impact with the Championship’s senior players, but Spurs boss Postecoglou has left open the possibility that he could feature in Son’s absence. He said: ‘[It’s] good to have Dane back, but obviously his loan at Ipswich didn’t work out, which is disappointing for him and disappointing for us because we sent him out on loan to get some game time, some rhythm and to develop.
“[It was] sensible that we brought him back. He is training with us again and will be available from 1 January. After that, it’s up to him. He will stay with us until the end of the season and we will see how he trains and what opportunities arise or not, so we will deal with these situations then.”
If South Korea qualify for the Asian Cup finals – scheduled for 10 February – Son will miss the Premier League home games against Brentford and Brighton and the away games at Manchester United and Everton. He will also miss the FA Cup third round match against Burnley and a possible fourth round match.
Given that Scarlett has not started a single game for Ipswich in his fourth month at Portman Road, it is unlikely that he will make up for Son’s tally of 11 goals and four assists in 18 Premier League appearances. Interestingly, Spurs have decided not to send the youngster out on loan again.
After a great start to the season, Tottenham’s form has dropped dramatically in recent weeks, so Son’s absence could not have come at a worse time. If he helps Scarlett return to the top four, Postecoglou will be recognised for his masterstroke.