CNN
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Is it Batman? Is it Superman? No, it’s Son Heung-min flying down the wing for South Korea.
You’d be forgiven for mistaking Son for a masked vigilante as he’s been carrying a superhero-like masks on the 2022 World Cup.
And no, it’s not a part of some elaborate celebration routine. Son is carrying the masks – which covers his eyes and nostril – as a protecting measure.
The 30-year-old suffered a fractured eye socket throughout Tottenham’s win in opposition to Marseille within the Champions League on November 1 and due to this fact confronted a race to be match to characteristic in Qatar.
Such is the extent of medical science, Son has not solely recovered in time – with the assistance of the masks – however has additionally performed each single minute as South Korea certified for the knockout section of the competitors following a dramatic 2-1 upset win over Portugal.
After taking part in in Korea’s opening sport of the World Cup in opposition to Uruguay – the primary within the masks – Son mentioned he felt “snug.”
“I’m simply completely satisfied that with the masks, I can play,” Son instructed reporters, per Reuters.
However Son shouldn’t be the one participant to be taking part in on the World Cup carrying a protecting masks.
Josko Gvardiol from Croatia has additionally been carrying one, resulting from a nostril and eye downside from a head conflict for his membership RB Leipzig in Germany.
Tunisia’s Ellyes Skhiri broke his cheekbone in October for FC Köln in Germany, so he additionally wore a masks that coated his nostril and sides of his face.
And Iran’s goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand saved a masks on throughout practices – selecting to not put on it in video games – after his head harm in opposition to England in Iran’s first group sport. He missed Iran’s second Group B match in opposition to Wales however performed maskless in opposition to the US within the crew’s last group stage match.
All these masks have been widespread over current years to guard gamers recovering from facial accidents.
Earlier this season, Germany defender Antonio Rüdiger wore an identical masks to Son’s after he took a knee to the face whereas taking part in for Actual Madrid in opposition to Shakhtar Donetsk within the Champions League.
Over current years, we’ve seen a few of Son’s luminaries reminiscent of Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski, Victor Osimhen and Sergio Ramos all put on masks on the pitch.
