Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has returned to training after shaking off an injury.

PSG released a video on the 28th (Korean time) welcoming the players who have returned to training on the club's social media account. The video captured Lee Kang-in's return to training.

Lee Kang-in missed the Coupe de France quarterfinal match against Stade Briochin (4th division) held the previous day (27th) due to a minor injury. PSG won this match 7-0.

Fortunately, since it was not a serious injury, Lee Kang-in quickly recovered and joined the team training.

He is set to participate in the home match against Lille in the 24th round of Ligue 1 on March 2.

Lee Kang-in has recorded 6 goals and 5 assists in Ligue 1 for the 2024-2025 season so far, accumulating a total of 11 attacking points. PSG aims to win both the league and the cup competitions.

PSG's opponent in the Coupe de France semifinals is USL Dunkerque (2nd division). Considering the objective power gap, PSG has a high chance of advancing to the finals.

If PSG reaches the finals, they will compete for the title against the winner of the match between Stade de Reims (1st division) and AS Cannes (4th division). Reims has performed close to the relegation zone in Ligue 1 this season, while Cannes is regarded as a relatively weaker team, increasing PSG's chances of winning.

Meanwhile, while Lee Kang-in has adapted well to PSG, transfer rumors continue to swirl.

'Sport' reported on the 26th, "Is Lee Kang-in already set to leave? PSG is preparing his successor."

The media stated, "Lee Kang-in, who joined PSG with great ambitions last season, is struggling to meet expectations. However, as a South Korean attacking midfielder, he has had less impact than expected under head coach Luis Enrique. He may have to pack his bags this summer."

Lee Kang-in joined PSG in the summer of 2023, leaving Mallorca. At that time, his transfer fee was 22 million euros (about 33.2 billion won), marking the second-highest transfer fee in Mallorca's history.

Upon arriving in Paris, Lee Kang-in was absent for a while due to injuries and being called up for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games early in the season. Fortunately, after returning with a gold medal, he increased his playing time, but did not receive many opportunities in the fiercely competitive second half. His final season stats were 3 goals and 4 assists in 23 league matches, and 5 goals and 5 assists in a total of 36 official matches, drawing mixed evaluations locally.

Nevertheless, Lee Kang-in's potential clearly stood out. He showcased creativity, sharp kicking, and improved defensive skills while alternating between starting and substitute appearances. Napoli was interested in trading Lee Kang-in for Victor Osimhen, but PSG rejected the offer, stating they have no plans to sell Lee Kang-in, whom coach Enrique favors.

However, Lee Kang-in is still moving between several positions rather than being a firm starter this season. With the recent addition of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during the winter transfer market, the atmosphere seems to be reducing his playing time. Coach Enrique has recently opted to use Ousmane Dembélé as a 'false 9' in place of Lee Kang-in and assigned Khvicha to the right wing.

'Sport' reported, "Lee Kang-in was brought in for 22 million euros to establish his position in PSG's midfield, but he has not become an indispensable player. He has been pushed to backup status and now only plays for a few minutes towards the end of matches. In contrast, players like Bradley Barcola, Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and João Neves are gaining attention."

The media added, "Faced with this situation, PSG's board of directors is considering selling Lee Kang-in. If no club moves for him yet, the Asian market may provide an escape route for him. It remains to be seen whether PSG will choose to loan or transfer Lee Kang-in, who has not found a proper place in Paris."

[Photo] PSG, Ligue 1 social media.

[OSEN = reporter Noh Jin-joo]