Son Heung-min was injured in Tottenham's 2-1 win against Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday.
He received a shoulder in the face in connection with a melee and had to pass out in pain.
- After the operation, Son will begin rehab with our medical team.
We will update the fans in the meantime, says Tottenham in a comment according to AP.
Tottenham cooperates with the South Korean Football Association
The news tops sports news in South Korea and is a major blow to the team, which will make its tenth consecutive World Cup play-off appearance.
In addition to being captain, Son is the team's top scorer.
The national team captain, Portuguese Paulo Bento, will name his final squad on November 12.
- Whether Son can participate in the WC or not will be based on the result of the operation.
"We will cooperate with Tottenham's medical team," said the South Korean Football Association.
Tottenham have games against Liverpool and Leeds in the Premier League before the World Cup.
South Korea kicks off the World Cup play-offs against Uruguay on November 24.