Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord)'s return this season has ultimately fallen through. But Hong Myung-bo's team has not given up hope yet. News has emerged that the national team's key midfielder Hwang In-beom is focusing on rehabilitation in Korea while preparing to return for the CONCACAF World Cup.
Dutch outlet 1908.nl reported on the 8th (Korea time), "Hwang In-beom will not be able to play in the remaining matches of the season," and "he is currently concentrating on rehabilitation and World Cup preparation in Korea."
Hwang In-beom suffered a serious injury in the March match against Excelsior. At the time he was stepped on hard on the foot during a challenge for the ball with an opposing player, and, in severe pain, he left the field supported by medical staff. His condition was so bad he could not put weight on his foot properly.
He was included in the March A match roster but was ultimately excluded from the national team call-up. The Korea Football Association explained at the time that they decided to exclude him to protect the player due to a right ankle ligament injury.
The problem is that recovery has taken longer than expected. Hwang In-beom focused on rehabilitation but did not appear in subsequent Feyenoord matches, and in the Netherlands the possibility of a season-ending absence was steadily raised.
In particular, Hwang In-beom's absence has been fatal for the national team. In the March matches against Ivory Coast and Austria, midfield control was greatly shaken, and both build-up and consolidation were not smooth. Under coach Hong Myung-bo's current regime, Hwang In-beom is evaluated as an almost irreplaceable key resource alongside Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae.
The bigger problem is the partnership combinations. Park Yong-woo and Won Du-jae were used alternately, but a definite combination has not yet been completed. As a result, Hwang In-beom's presence is felt all the more strongly.
Fortunately the internal atmosphere of the national team is relatively positive. Citing foreign reports, it said, "Hwang In-beom is currently focusing on treatment and recovery in Korea, and coach Hong Myung-bo is optimistic about his possibility of joining the World Cup."
It went on to say, "The national team will move to Salt Lake City in the United States to prepare for the World Cup, and it is likely that Hwang In-beom will accompany them," and "there is also talk that he could return in the group stage opener against the Czech Republic in June."
Ultimately, Hwang In-beom's physical condition has emerged as a key variable that will determine the completeness of Hong Myung-bo's midfield.
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