Lee Kang-in, Possible Exclusion from Starting Lineup vs. Manchester City: "Included in 'Substitute Squad' During Training for Manchester City Match"

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-in (25), who will face Korean fans for the first time since joining Atletico (AT) Madrid, is increasingly likely to make his debut as a substitute rather than starting in the upcoming match against Manchester City.

On the 7th (Korean time), Spanish media outlet Marca highlighted Atletico Madrid's first training session ahead of the Manchester City match, stating that "Lee Kang-in was included in the 'substitute squad'."

According to reports, Lee Kang-in participated in the day's training alongside Arnau Ortiz as one of two strikers in a 4-4-2 formation within the substitute squad. The midfield was composed of Thomas Lemar, Pablo Barrios, Jonny Cardoso, and Rodrigo Mendez, supporting the dual-striker setup of Lee Kang-in and Ortiz.

In contrast, the starting lineup's striker duo consisted of Jorge Castillo and Ademola Lookman, with Ovidy Bargas, Morten Hjulmand, Koke, and Carlos Martin deployed as midfielders, according to the media report.

Marca explained, "The substitute squad includes several high-profile reinforcements. This group is likely to be used in the second half." It added, "Lee Kang-in, who has been assigned jersey number 7, was expected to play a key role near the penalty area."

The report continued, "Coach Diego Simeone paused the mini-game to personally explain his desired movements to Lee Kang-in." It further noted, "Although Lee Kang-in was not included in the starting squad during training, he demonstrated strong chemistry with Ortiz and formed effective links with Barrios, who is highly regarded by Coach Simeone as a core player, thereby raising expectations for his potential starting role."

Lee Kang-in, who transferred to AT Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for a fee of up to 40 million euros (approximately 65.3 billion won), will make his unofficial debut for Atletico Madrid in the Coupang Play Series match against Manchester City at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 9th at 8 p.m.

Lee Kang-in's transfer was officially confirmed on the 25th of last month, but he remained in South Korea due to unresolved administrative procedures related to military service benefits, preventing him from joining his team immediately. As a result, he could not participate in Atletico Madrid's first pre-season match against Manchester United on the 1st. Instead, he joined the team after the Atletico Madrid squad visited South Korea.

Having just joined the team and still building chemistry with teammates while his match fitness has not yet fully peaked, Lee Kang-in is likely to have limited playing time in the Manchester City match. He may be introduced as a substitute near the end of the first half or early in the second half to receive loud applause from Korean fans, or he might come on at halftime to play the remainder of the second half.

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*This content was translated by AI.