Lee Kang-in, Paik Seung-ho, and Jung Seung-hyun are out for South Korea's crucial World Cup qualifier against Jordan due to injuries sustained in recent matches. The trio's absence places added pressure on the remaining players as they prepare for the match on March 25, 2025, at Suwon World Cup Stadium.
Lee Kang-in, a midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain, along with Birmingham City's Paik Seung-ho, suffered injuries during a qualifier match against Oman on March 20. Jung Seung-hyun, who plays as a defender for Al Wasl in the UAE, sustained his injury during training prior to the Oman game. A source from the Korean national team confirmed that all three players will need approximately two weeks to recover.
Despite the injuries, South Korea's head coach Hong Myung-bo announced that no replacements will be called up for the match against Jordan. This decision reflects confidence in the remaining squad members, but it also means a reshuffle in the lineup as they look to maintain their position in Group B.
In the recent match against Oman, both Lee and Paik were unable to make a substantial impact. While Paik struggled to connect on passes effectively, Lee made a significant contribution by providing a crucial through-ball to Hwang Hee-chan, leading to Korea's only goal in a 1-1 draw. Lee’s exit due to injury just minutes before the match ended left a notable gap in the midfield, which became apparent as the game progressed.
Coach Hong expressed concerns regarding the midfield options now available. "With Lee Kang-in, tests showed that his injury isn’t as serious as we once feared," he stated, emphasizing the importance of both Lee and Paik to the team. His comments, reported by Yonhap, underline the delicate balance South Korea must maintain to secure their place in the World Cup.
Currently, Korea leads Asian qualifying Group B with 15 points, three points ahead of Jordan. Retaining their frontrunner status is essential as the top two teams directly qualify for the World Cup.
To fill the gap in the midfield, Hong might consider using Won Du-jae to partner with defensive midfielder Park Yong-woo in a 4-2-3-1 formation. The absence of both Lee and Paik could significantly alter South Korea's approach against Jordan, making it crucial for players like Hwang In-beom to step up if he is fit to play.
As South Korea gears up for this important match, the focus will also be on the recovery timelines for these key players. Lee is expected to undergo further imaging tests to determine the exact nature of his ankle injury, although early indications suggest he may be sidelined for about two weeks. The injury reportedly involved swelling, leading to visible distress as he left the pitch on crutches after the Oman match.
In light of these injuries, Lee will miss several club matches for Paris Saint-Germain, including important fixtures in Ligue 1 and a Coupe de France semi-final. However, there is optimism he may return in time to impact their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Aston Villa.
The stakes are high with only three matches left in the qualifying round, and every game counts. South Korea must capitalize on any opportunity to maintain or improve its position, especially with teams like Jordan hot on their heels.
With upcoming fixtures looming, it remains to be seen how Coach Hong will navigate this challenge without his preferred midfielders. The Taeguk Warriors are determined to overcome these challenges as they aim for their 11th successive World Cup appearance. As the team prepares for the match against Jordan, fans will be watching closely to see how the lineup adjusts in response to their injuries.
The match against Jordan is not just another qualifier; it's a significant step towards securing their place in the World Cup. The national spirit is high, and despite the challenges faced, the hope remains that the remaining players can bridge the gap and deliver a strong performance on the field.
