*This content was translated by AI.
Hwang In-beom (30, Feyenoord), a 'key midfielder' for the South Korean national football team, has ultimately been ruled 'out for the season' just as the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America approaches.
On the 3rd (Korean time), the Dutch outlet '1908.nl' reported, "Hwang In-beom, who injured his ankle, has ended his season early. Coach Robin van Persie will have to play crucial matches at the end of the season without his midfield commander."
Hwang In-beom was substituted in the 44th minute of the first half during the Eredivisie Round 27 match against Excelsior on March 15 after having his right instep stepped on by an opponent. Fortunately, he avoided a fracture, but damage to the ligaments in his right ankle delayed his return. With additional setbacks such as a thigh injury this season, Hwang In-beom ultimately finished the season with a record of 24 appearances, one goal, and five assists in official matches.
The place where the fire burned most intensely is the South Korean national football team led by coach Hong Myung-bo. This is because he is an irreplaceable resource for the veteran team, which has played 71 A-match games (six goals).
After Hwang In-beom was sidelined due to injury in March, the Hong Myung-bo-led team tried various experiments by rotating players such as Kim Jin-gyu (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Park Jin-seob (Zhejiang FC), Hong Hyun-seok (Gent), and Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City) during two consecutive away matches in Europe (a 0-4 loss to Côte d'Ivoire and a 0-1 loss to Austria). However, they failed to find a clear alternative. With Park Yong-woo (Al Ain) and Won Du-jae (Kor Fakhan) already sidelined due to long-term injuries, the team is deeply concerned about the midfield void.
With the announcement of the final World Cup roster just days away on the 16th, the team faces continued deliberation. Fortunately, the spark for his participation in the World Cup finals still exists. The media stated, "While it is still uncertain whether Hwang In-beom will participate in the World Cup, the possibility of his recovery in time is quite high, so the mood is positive," placing weight on his potential appearance on the finals stage.
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*This content was translated by AI.
