It seems that the injury severity of Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) is not serious.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) said on the 21st, "Lee Kang-in, who has a left ankle injury, was determined not to be serious based on the results of detailed examinations and the opinion of his attending physician," adding, "(Head Coach Hong Myung-bo) plans to observe Lee's condition after reconvening tomorrow and then decide on the operational plan for the remaining training period."
On the 20th, Lee Kang-in made an appearance after being substituted for Baek Seung-ho (Birmingham City), who was injured, in the first half at the 38th minute during the 7th match of Group B in the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup AFC Third Qualifying Round held at Goyang Stadium. Just three minutes after being brought on, he assisted Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) for the opening goal, but was substituted out due to an ankle injury in the 35th minute of the second half.
South Korea allowed a equalizer from Oman while Lee Kang-in was suffering from an ankle injury, finishing the game 1-1.
Lee Kang-in, who twisted his left ankle while participating in defense, expressed pain and signaled to the Korean bench with his arms to indicate an 'X.' It meant he could no longer continue.
However, because the referee did not stop the game while Lee Kang-in was down, Oman continued their attack, and Ali Al-Busaidi scored the equalizer, ultimately making it 1-1. Afterwards, Lee Kang-in was carried off the field by staff.
Immediately after the match, he left, leaning on crutches and assisted by staff.
In response to a question about Lee Kang-in's early introduction, Head Coach Hong Myung-bo noted, "We originally did not plan for him to play from the first half," and explained, "The sudden injury of Baek Seung-ho advanced the timing of his entry."
He also said, "We needed resources that could open up the game in a situation where the attack was blocked," and added, "Lee Kang-in's play was satisfactory."
Not only Lee Kang-in, but also Jeong Seung-hyun (Al Wasl) and Baek Seung-ho are uncertain for participation in the 8th qualifying round against Jordan on the 25th due to injuries.
The KFA said, "Jeong Seung-hyun has a left calf injury during training, and Baek Seung-ho has a left hamstring injury. Both have also been determined not to have serious injuries based on detailed examination results and the opinion of their attending physicians."
Local media in France are also paying attention to news of Lee Kang-in's injury.
"L'Equipe" reported, "Lee Kang-in of PSG was substituted during the A-match due to a left ankle injury," noting, "After being in pain for a long time, he was seen leaving the field with the help of medical staff. His ankle swelled significantly right after the collision," and added, "The scene observed right after the injury is not optimistic. He left the field leaning on crutches, and depending on the severity of the injury, there is a possibility that he may return to Paris for treatment."
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