Lee Kang-in (PSG) walked with a limp but remained composed.

The national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, drew 1-1 with Oman in the 7th match of Group B in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian third qualifying round held at Goyang Stadium on the 20th.

Hwang Hee-chan scored first in the 41st minute, but they allowed an equalizer to Al-Busaidi in the 35th minute of the second half.

This was due to multiple injuries. Jeong Seung-hyun was excluded from the roster after getting injured during training just before the match against Oman, and during the game, both Baek Seung-ho and Lee Kang-in collapsed.

Baek Seung-ho was substituted out in the first half due to a hamstring injury, and Lee Kang-in, who replaced Baek Seung-ho, suffered an injury to his left ankle around the 35th minute of the second half and had to be carried off by staff.

In particular, Lee Kang-in was concerning as he left the mixed zone supported by staff while using crutches after the game.

After the match, Coach Hong noted at the press conference, "It wasn’t planned for Lee Kang-in to play from the first half after arriving in Korea and training for just one day. The timing was moved up due to Baek Seung-ho's injury. We needed a player who could step in when the game wasn't going smoothly. I think we need to keep an eye on the injuries. There is swelling in his left ankle, and it seems he may have sprained it."

However, it was confirmed that it is not a serious injury, so there is a silver lining.

The Korea Football Association stated on the 21st, "Jeong Seung-hyun suffered a left calf injury during training, while Baek Seung-ho and Lee Kang-in sustained injuries to their left hamstring and left ankle, respectively, during the match," adding, "However, according to the results of the examination, the primary physician indicated that they are not serious injuries."

Lee Kang-in left the stadium with the help of staff while using crutches. As he exited the mixed zone, he greeted loudly, saying, "Thank you for your hard work." Despite limping and struggling to walk, he still managed to show a bright expression.

One of the factors behind the injuries to Baek Seung-ho and Lee Kang-in is the condition of the pitch. Since the grass at the Seoul World Cup Stadium was seriously damaged last year, this match against Oman was held at Goyang Stadium, yet the condition of the grass became an issue once again. In fact, during the match, instances were captured of the grass being lifted and turning over, or players slipping. Areas where the grass was uneven were also visible. Baek Seung-ho, who was substituted early due to a hamstring injury, stated, "I slightly felt pain in my hamstring around the middle of the first half, and it felt like it was getting worse as I continued to run," adding, "I began to feel some strain in my muscles." As for the cause, he said, "I’m not sure if it's the grass," and avoided giving a direct answer but elaborated, "The grass was uneven, and it was hard when we were playing. I’ve heard it's the best pitch in Korea, but it's regrettable in many ways."

It cannot be ruled out that the poor condition of the grass caused the injuries. The opposing coach of Oman, Rasheed Jaber, also pointed out the condition of the grass. He remarked, "The grass was too soft, so the ball bounced well. The studs stuck into the grass well," noting, "It was different from the grass at other stadiums."

Coach Hong Myung-bo said, "With injuries occurring, I’m contemplating how to proceed," and stated, "I'll think about it after checking their physical conditions." He is expected to outline the team's operational plan ahead of the team's training session resuming on the 22nd at Yongin Mir Stadium. After receiving a day of rest following the match against Oman, the national team will prepare for the World Cup qualifiers against Jordan starting from the 22nd. The match against Jordan will be held at Suwon World Cup Stadium on the 25th.

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