Son Heung-min's Return Boosts South Korea's World Cup Qualification Campaign Against Kuwait

South Korea's national football team is looking to maintain their perfect winning streak in the World Cup qualifiers as captain Son Heung-min returns to the squad for their crucial match against Kuwait. The Koreans, currently leading Group B with 10 points from three wins and a draw, are set to face 135th-ranked Kuwait at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium on Thursday.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo has taken a cautious approach regarding Son's playing time, emphasizing the importance of managing the Tottenham star's workload following his recent hamstring injury. Son, who missed October's national team fixtures, has gradually returned to action with his club, most recently completing a full match against Ipswich Town. The collaborative approach between the national team and Tottenham has been highlighted, with both sides prioritizing the player's long-term fitness.

Despite Kuwait's lower ranking and struggling form in the group (three draws and one loss), Hong has warned against complacency, drawing from past experiences where Korea struggled in supposedly straightforward matches. The team's depth has been bolstered by the emergence of 21-year-old Bae Jun-ho, who impressed in Son's absence with two assists, and the inclusion of promising Hannover 96 midfielder Lee Hyun-ju. South Korea's impressive goal-scoring record in the qualifiers, having netted eight times in their last three victories, puts them in a strong position to extend their winning run.