"Lee Kang-in, surprise starting card" Clears up thigh issue and returns to full training... "Could start in place of Simeone's son"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

of the South Korean national football team Lee Kang-in (25, Atletico Madrid) has returned after clearing up a thigh issue. After missing a UEFA Champions League (UCL) match and even adjusting his training volume to manage his physical condition, he has now returned to full training, showing signs of recovery.

Atletico will play Deportivo La Coruna in a home match for the 10th round of the 2026-2027 Spanish La Liga season at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, at 4 a.m. (KST) on the 25th.

The likelihood of Lee Kang-in making an appearance has also increased. Beyond a simple return, there is even discussion about the possibility of him starting the match.

Spanish media outlet Mundo Deportivo reported that "Atletico manager Diego Simeone is preparing a surprise starting card" and noted that "Lee Kang-in is also a candidate."

Lee Kang-in did not play in the UCL match against Stuttgart (Germany) on the 21st. The reason was discomfort in the quadriceps, the muscles at the front of the thigh.

Previously, Lee Kang-in had experienced overloading symptoms in his quadriceps after playing the match against [aespa] on the 17th, and his physical condition was not fully fit ahead of the Stuttgart match either.

Fortunately, it was not a major injury, but the coaching staff decided not to take the risk.

He continued to be managed cautiously afterward. According to reports, Atletico adjusted Lee Kang-in's training volume. He was made to undergo relatively low-intensity training along with players who had started in the Stuttgart match, reducing the burden on his body.

However, the situation improved quickly. Lee Kang-in completed the final training session before the Deportivo match normally, increasing the likelihood of his appearance.

Mundo Deportivo reported that "Jony Cardoso, Cristian Romero, and Koke are still on the injury list" and stated that "all three players will not be able to play in the Deportivo match this Saturday."

It further explained, "On the other hand, Lee Kang-in is available. Although he did not play in the Champions League match due to a quadriceps issue, he has once again completed full team training normally."

According to reports, Manager Simeone conducted various tactical tests in preparation for the Deportivo match. Due to a recent tight schedule, fatigue has accumulated among the squad, but it is reported that Manager Simeone has formulated a plan to field his familiar regular starters in large numbers and utilize rotation in the second half.

Manager Simeone also tested a starting lineup for the Deportivo match during the final training session.

In midfield, Julian Simeone, Pablo Barrios, Morten Hjulmand, and Ademola Lookman were placed, while Alex Baena and Julian Alvarez took charge of the front line.

However, there is a possibility of change. Lee Kang-in is at the center of this. Mundo Deportivo predicted that "changes may occur in the starting lineup" and specifically noted that "Lee Kang-in has the possibility of entering as a starter in place of Julian."

Julian is the son of Manager Simeone. It is being discussed that Lee Kang-in, who rested from the UCL match due to a thigh issue, could be deployed as a starter in his return match, replacing the manager's son.

Lee Kang-in left French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) this summer and donned the Atletico uniform. He has quickly integrated into the team, recording two goals and one assist in nine La Liga matches.

Atletico is also ranked second in the league with a record of seven wins, one draw, and one loss (22 points). They are chasing leader Barcelona (27 points) and continuing their title race.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original