Director Henan said, "Im Jae-young, who is on the operating table, expects to return sooner than expected." [Incheon Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Men's professional volleyball Korean Air coach Henan Dal Zoto (Brazil) said of Lim Jae-young, who has been on the operating table since his injury, "I think I can return in about two to two and a half months."

Coach Henan met with reporters ahead of the Jin Air 2025-2026 professional volleyball V-League home game against Hyundai Capital at Gyeyang Gymnasium in Incheon on the 4th and said, "(Lim Jae-young) seems to be able to return sooner than expected Still, it's good news," he said. "Jung Ji-seok (who suffered an ankle injury) is recovering well."

Earlier, Lim Jae-young collapsed during the match against Woori Card on the 28th of last month, and was diagnosed with cartilage damage in the meniscus of his left knee and recently went to the operating table. Initially, the diagnosis result was virtually ruled out of the season because it was necessary for rehabilitation for five to six months, but the operation progress is good, so he can return sooner than expected.

Coach Henan directly mentioned about two and a half months, but a Korean Air official expected that it would take about three months, a little later. In any case, it is fortunate for Korean Air that the timing of its return has been accelerated from the initial season out decision to the return within the season such as the postseason.

The match against Hyundai Capital, which is the first and second-place showdown in the league, vowed to win. Korean Air leads with 41 points (14 wins and 4 losses), while Hyundai Capital ranks first and second with 35 points (11 wins and 7 losses). In two face-to-face encounters this season, Korean Air led with two wins.

Coach Henan said, "It's hard for any team to have two main players. It's not easy. He even said he was in the same position, but asked for a lot of things in the offseason. The demands for every game are different. There are games that require offensive elements, and there are games that require receiving. It's different from game to game. We prepared according to the situation within the resources that are still available today," he said.

Manager Henan then said, "When I played with Hyundai Capital, the game was always tight and a lot of decisions were made in the second half. "I said to the players that every score is precious, so I have to focus especially until the end today," he said. "We have a lot of desire, as well as the opponent. We are also aiming for the top spot, and so is Hyundai Capital. I said I shouldn't lose out of concentration today," he said.

"In today's game, a setter is important in terms of tactics. (Kim) Kyu-min's role is important in the role of encouraging and encouraging the chaotic atmosphere, he said. "Kyu-min is a player who is imbued with encouragement and encouraging the atmosphere."

In response, Hyundai Capital coach Philip Blanc said, "The match against Korean Air will be an important game until the end of the season. We don't expect to slip in the game against other teams, but we have to win to get on top. I expect that I will be able to show my improvement by playing well on my own," he said.

"I didn't see Korean Air's last Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance match (2-3 loss). It is still the process of analyzing and studying us. The side will be different due to the absence of the main players. When Kwak Seung-seok comes in, I'm going to run the blocking system, but I'll show you flexibly in the stadium," he said.

Regarding the situation in which the pace is somewhat sagging compared to last season, Blanc said, "Last season was completed early. This season is a time that needs more completeness, he said, adding, "I think it's part of the process. There is no need to hurry. At the same time, you have to be able to play 100% of each game so that part of the process can lead to completeness. That's why I'm always stressing to do my best," he added.

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*This content was translated by AI.