A truly rare piece of good news for Hong Myung-bo's team! "No pain": Lee Jae-sung returns to training after facing season-out prospects... He is expected to return sooner than anticipated.

*This content was translated by AI.

Great news has reached the South Korean national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Lee Jae-sung (34, Mainz), known as the "workhorse of Hong Myung-bo's team," is expected to return from injury sooner than anticipated.

On the 9th (Korea time), German media outlet Bild reported, "Mainz's star Lee Jae-sung has returned," adding, "The news that Lee Jae-sung would be out for the season is incorrect. The likelihood of him playing in the remaining two league matches has become quite high. Almost no one expected Lee Jae-sung to return this quickly."

Lee Jae-sung suffered an injury to his left big toe in early last month and has been sidelined for about a month. Consequently, gloomy forecasts emerged suggesting he might not be able to complete the remaining season schedule.

Some even argued that his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June would be difficult. The injury to Lee Jae-sung was also a major concern for the South Korean national team.

Fortunately, Lee Jae-sung has quickly recovered his condition. He can return to the pitch through the remaining two Bundesliga matches. Mainz will play their final matches of the 2025-2026 season against Union Berlin on the 11th and against Heidenheim on the 16th. Lee Jae-sung is expected to play in at least one of the two matches.

The media explained, "Mainz coach Urs Fischer mentioned Lee Jae-sung's physical condition but did not anticipate his return timing. However, Lee Jae-sung has suddenly returned."

According to reports, Lee Jae-sung participated in team training in preparation for the Berlin match. Coach Fischer excluded Lee Jae-sung only from the more intense mini-games. Instead, Lee Jae-sung was sidelined. Coach Fischer excluded Lee Jae-sung only from the more intense mini-games. Instead, Lee Jae-sung warmed up with the coaching staff to check his condition. It is reported that Lee Jae-sung stated regarding his physical condition, "There is no pain."

If Lee Jae-sung sharpens his match fitness in the remaining league games before joining the national team, it could be a significant boost for Hong Myung-bo's team.

The media also projected, "We will have to see whether Lee Jae-sung can play in the Berlin or Heidenheim matches. However, it appears he will be able to achieve a perfect physical condition in time to participate in the World Cup with the South Korean national team."

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*This content was translated by AI.