Lee Kang-in's 'early debut' in Madrid is effectively off... First match likely against Manchester City on the 9th of next month before Korean fans

*This content was translated by AI.

The likelihood has increased that Lee Kang-in (25) will face Manchester City rather than Manchester United in his debut match for Atletico (AT) Madrid. Had the Military Manpower Administration approved the extension of his overseas travel permit quickly, he might have made his debut against Manchester United first in Europe; however, with an early departure effectively off, it is now more likely that he will wait for the AT Madrid squad in Korea.

Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reported on the 31st (Korea time), "Lee Kang-in has been unable to depart for Spain due to administrative procedures related to military service. As time passes, the possibility of him joining his new team in Madrid, Spain, is diminishing," adding that "the club already expects Lee Kang-in to join the team not in Spain but in Seoul."

The military-related administrative procedures mentioned by the media refer to the necessary paperwork for the Artist and Athlete Personnel Transfer Program following the special military service exemption granted after winning the men's football gold medal at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games. Lee Kang-in, who has not yet completed these related procedures, requires government approval from the Military Manpower Administration and other agencies to depart overseas again but remains stuck in Korea as he has not yet received such approval.

The AT Madrid club and those on the ground in Spain had anticipated that if approval were granted by mid-week this week, Lee Kang-in would immediately depart and join the team locally in Spain. However, as news of approval has been slow to emerge, it is now highly likely that Lee Kang-in's debut match for AT Madrid will be against Manchester City at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 9th of next month.

The AT Madrid squad is set to depart soon and play a pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Sweden at 10 p.m. on the 1st of next month. After returning to Madrid, they are scheduled to head to Korea on the 5th of next month. Even if Lee Kang-in receives late approval to depart for Europe, he would have to return to Korea just a few days later due to this schedule.

The media explained, "Lee Kang-in still requires permission from the Korean government to depart overseas," and added that "considering the flight time of approximately 14 hours from Seoul to Madrid, the club has judged it inefficient for Lee Kang-in to head to Europe only to return to Korea just a few days later."

However, even if he cannot directly join the team, Lee Kang-in is improving his condition by conducting individual training at the FC Seoul training facility. Mundo Deportivo added, "He is already completing the individual training program delivered by the AT Madrid coaching staff and following the same diet standards as his teammates," noting that "even if he joins the team late, adaptation appears to be manageable."

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*This content was translated by AI.