Tottenham will be sweating over the fitness of forward Son Heung-Min after the forward had to be substituted in a key Champions League clash against Marseille. The South Korean international came off in the first-half of the tie, having challenged for the ball in the air on the halfway line.
Former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba had also risen for the ball, with Son heading into his shoulder and going down on the pitch in bad shape. After receiving some treatment, the 30-year-old had to be helped off the pitch with some visible swelling on his face.
It represented a huge blow for the visitors as they lost one of their biggest threats on the counter for a game in which they were sitting deep. While that represented a problem in itself, the wider issue could go further than just the one Champions League group game for Antonio Conte.
READ MORE: Every word Cristian Stellini said on what Antonio Conte will do with his Spurs stars around ban
With a huge game against Liverpool up next, the Italian coach would have been hopeful that he could avoid any injuries going into proceedings. However, the issue for Son now puts him at doubt for the game, with a number of concussion protocols having to be used to make sure he is fit for the game.
The rules state that a formal clinical assessment of the player has to be produced, with his recovery noted by the relevant medical staff, as well as following the FA's protocols to return to training and then playing. If the post-match assessment clears any sign of a concussion, then the medical staff will be able to direct the next steps to return to training.
All of that information has to be submitted so that the protocols can be followed precisely and the players' well-being is at the forefront of it. It remains to be seen if there is enough time for Son to recover and be cleared of such issues heading into the clash against Liverpool.
READ NEXT:
Tottenham player ratings vs Marseille: Lenglet, Kane, Bentancur and Hojbjerg shine in vital win
Perisic celebration, Levy's new Conte experience - 5 things spotted in Marseille vs Tottenham
Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund: Who Tottenham can play in Champions League after Marseille win
Tottenham qualify for Champions League round of 16 after 2-1 win against Marseille
Cristian Stellini delivers brilliant response to Marseille fireworks ahead of Tottenham clash
