The South Korean national football team's 'golden left foot' Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) was substituted out due to a left ankle injury during the match against Oman, causing fans to gasp. The scene and reactions on site were serious immediately after the injury, but the Korea Football Association (KFA) issued an official diagnosis the next day, on the 21st, stating, "Fortunately, it is not a serious injury."

Lee Kang-in was substituted out with an injury in the 38th minute of the second half during the match against Oman in the 7th round of the Asian third qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup held on the 20th at Goyang Sports Complex. He was brought on earlier than planned to fill the gap left by Baek Seung-ho, who was substituted due to a hamstring injury in the 41st minute of the first half.

Immediately after being substituted in, Lee Kang-in showcased his presence by providing an assist for Hwang Hee-chan's opening goal with a forward pass, but in the 40th minute of the second half, he twisted his left ankle while participating in defensive duties and immediately flashed an 'X' sign towards the bench with both arms. This was an urgent signal from the player that he could no longer continue.

Despite Lee Kang-in collapsing, the referee did not stop the game, and in the midst of the chaos, Oman quickly scored an equalizer. The match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw.

Lee Kang-in exited the field carried by staff and appeared in the mixed zone post-match with crutches. However, he greeted those around him with a bright expression, saying, "Thank you for your hard work," reassuring those nearby.

Coach Hong Myung-bo noted in a post-match interview, "It was an early substitution that was not planned. I had no choice but to substitute him in early due to Baek Seung-ho's sudden injury, and it was a necessary measure to change the flow of the game. Lee Kang-in's play itself was very positive, but the injury is concerning. His ankle is swollen, and he will need to undergo a medical examination tomorrow (21st)."

News of Lee Kang-in's injury was quickly reported in France, the home country of his club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The prominent French media outlet 'L'Équipe' expressed concern, stating, "Lee Kang-in was substituted during the game due to a left ankle injury. He complained of pain and left the field supported by staff, later exiting with crutches. The injury scene appeared serious."

On the 21st, the KFA announced the results of thorough examinations for three injured players, including Lee Kang-in, Baek Seung-ho, and Jeong Seung-hyun, stating, "None of the three players have serious injuries." However, they added, "After reconvening on the 22nd, we will monitor their progress and decide on the management of the remaining training schedule."

Lee Kang-in remains in the national team camp, but his participation in the match against Jordan on the 25th is uncertain. Coach Hong Myung-bo remarked, "I cannot guarantee whether he will be available for immediate game input. I will decide after assessing his recovery status."

If necessary, there remains the possibility of him returning early to his club and undergoing further precise assessment in France. Particularly as PSG has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League, they are inevitably more sensitive to Lee Kang-in's physical condition.

Meanwhile, in the match against Oman, the national team faced a sequence of injuries, with not only Lee Kang-in but also Baek Seung-ho (hamstring) and Jeong Seung-hyun (calf injury during training) affected. Including Kim Min-jae (Achilles tendon), who was already sidelined due to injury, key defensive and midfield resources have been significantly depleted.

As a result, coach Hong Myung-bo's team now faces significant variables not only in the remaining third qualifying matches but also in the June A-match schedule.

[OSEN]