The injured Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) has caught the attention of the French media regarding his return timeline.
The South Korea national football team, led by Coach Hong Myung-bo (56), drew 1-1 against Oman in the '2026 FIFA World Cup North and Central American Asian region third qualifying round Group B seventh match' held on the 20th at Goyang Stadium.
They drew 1-1 against Oman.
South Korea also failed to secure a victory against Jordan, drawing 1-1 on the 25th in Suwon. They have recorded three consecutive draws, but they maintain the top spot in the group with 16 points. South Korea was unable to secure an early qualification for the World Cup finals.
Injuries have also been frequent. Kim Min-jae has already been sidelined with a hamstring injury. Jung Seung-hyun has also suffered a thigh injury. Adding to the woes, both Lee Kang-in and Baek Seung-ho got injured during the match against Oman. Baek Seung-ho was substituted due to a left hamstring injury in the 38th minute of the first half. Lee Kang-in, who was brought in as a substitute, also suffered an ankle injury in the 34th minute of the second half.
Ultimately, Lee Kang-in received a two-week diagnosis and was released from the national team. He did not participate in the match against Jordan and watched from the stands. The national team struggled in his absence, although Hwang In-beom put in a strong performance, and they drew 1-1 with Jordan.
Lee Kang-in will stay in the country to focus on treatment and coordinate his departure time with Paris Saint-Germain. Coach Hong Myung-bo confirmed, "Lee Kang-in's injury is not serious. He received a diagnosis of about two weeks."
The situation of Lee Kang-in is also attracting attention in France. While he is not a regular member at Paris Saint-Germain, he plays a key role.
"Le Parisien" reported on the 28th, "Lee Kang-in injured his ankle during the match against Oman. The results of the tests are not serious, but he will be unable to play for two weeks. Lee Kang-in may participate in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal against Aston Villa."
Paris Saint-Germain has an away match against Saint-Étienne on the 30th and a home match against Angers on April 6. It is highly likely that Lee Kang-in will not be able to play until then. Paris Saint-Germain also has the Coupe de France semifinal on April 2, and it appears difficult for Lee Kang-in to participate in that as well.
Paris Saint-Germain will face Aston Villa in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal on April 10. This match is likely to be Lee Kang-in's return.
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