'Fears become reality': Kim Min-jae injured, now Lee Kang-in also sidelined; Hong Myung-bo's squad faces deep anxiety ahead of the World Cup

*This content was translated by AI.

With less than a month remaining until the opening of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, news of injuries to key European-based players continues to emerge. Fortunately, the injuries do not appear to be serious and are not expected to immediately affect World Cup participation. However, the players are not yet at full fitness, and the possibility of additional injuries cannot be ruled out, leaving Hong Myeong-bo (CEO) team coach deeply concerned.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG·France) announced on the 13th (Korea time) via its official club channels that Lee Kang-in has suffered an ankle injury and will be excluded from training. The PSG club stated, "Lee Kang-in, who sustained a blow to his left ankle during the match against Brest, is scheduled to undergo indoor training only for the coming days." As a result, Lee Kang-in is unlikely to participate in the rescheduled 29th round of the 2025-2026 French Ligue 1 match against Reims on the morning of the 14th at 4 a.m. This match is crucial for PSG, as a draw would secure them the Ligue 1 title.

The fears have become reality. Lee Kang-in started in the 33rd round of the Ligue 1 home match against Brest on the 11th but was limited to just 53 minutes of play. In particular, while attempting a shot during stoppage time in the first half, he was struck forcefully by an opponent's foot instead of the ball, collapsed, and showed signs of severe pain for an extended period. Fortunately, Lee Kang-in returned for the second half after halftime but was substituted off early in the 8th minute of the second half. The concerns about his injury have ultimately materialized.

Fortunately, since he is in a condition to undergo indoor training, his participation in the World Cup is not expected to be significantly affected at this stage. However, if his recovery is delayed, his fitness restoration for the World Cup could be correspondingly delayed. Moreover, since he is not at full fitness, if the same injury occurs again in another match, his condition could worsen significantly. This is a situation that leaves Coach Hong Myung-bo deeply anxious.

It is not just Lee Kang-in. Earlier, on the 10th, Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) started in the 33rd round of the German Bundesliga away match against Wolfsburg. Despite delivering an excellent performance throughout the first half, he was substituted at halftime, drawing attention to the reason behind the move. Early substitutions for center-backs are not common, raising concerns about a possible injury. Indeed, after the match, coach Vincent Kompany explained, "It was a substitution due to a medical issue."

Coach Kompany further explained, "It was not a serious injury; it was a precautionary substitution." However, according to subsequent local reports, Kim Min-jae underwent an MRI scan. Fortunately, the MRI results showed no abnormalities, and he is reported to be in a condition capable of completing the remaining schedule, prompting Coach Hong Myung-bo to let out a sigh of relief. Nevertheless, his knee condition is not at 100%, and like Lee Kang-in, there is a significant risk of additional injury, requiring continued attention and vigilance.

Coach Hong Myung-bo will hold a press conference on the 16th at the West Onmadang of the Seoul Jongno-gu KT Gwanghwamun Building to announce the final 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup. The exclusion of defensive midfielders Park Yong-woo (Al Ain) and Won Du-jae (Corinthians) due to injury has been confirmed. Additionally, there are several key midfielders, such as Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) and Kim Ju-sung (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), who have not yet returned following injury-related absences, deepening the coach's concerns. If news of further injuries, particularly involving irreplaceable key players, emerges, it could trigger a "code red" for the entire World Cup plan. This is precisely the scenario that must be avoided most before the World Cup.

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*This content was translated by AI.