Tottenham star Heung-min Son is facing a third spell of quarantine and could miss the Premier League's return to full training due to government plans to force all people arriving in the UK to self-isolate for 14 days.
Son, who is currently completing a three-week spell of military service in South Korea, has already spent two separate fortnights in quarantine – once in the UK and once in his homeland – since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 27-year-old was forced to self-isolate in London in February after returning from arm surgery in South Korea, before enduring another spell of quarantine in Seoul last month, having travelled back home to complete his mandatory spell of conscription.
The forward is due to complete his shortened national service on May 10 before flying back to the UK, but under the new government plans he is likely to be forced back into quarantine for 14 days, taking his total time in isolation to six weeks during the pandemic.
The Premier League has tentatively drawn-up plans for players to resume training on May 18, with a view to a possible restart on June 8, leaving Son in danger of missing at least a week of "pre-season".
The government plans have prompted top-flight clubs to warn their players that they must be prepared to return to training at 48 hours' notice.
A number of overseas players, including Brazilians Willian of Chelsea and Manchester City's Fernandinho, have returned to their home countries – with the permission of their clubs – during the pandemic, and many are still abroad.
Tottenham's Steven Bergwijn has also returned home to the Netherlands for the birth of his first child but the club is not expected to rush him back because he is still unable to train due to a twisted ankle.
