Seoul: Kwon Chang-hoon has been cut from South Korea’s World Cup squad after picking up an injury playing for his French club on the weekend.
It is a serious setback for South Korea and their chances of negotiating Group F games against Sweden, Mexico and Germany.
The 23-year-old midfielder reportedly ruptured an Achilles tendon playing for Dijon on Saturday in the last match of the French Ligue 1 season. Kwon had performed well in France, scoring 11 goals for Dijon.
The Korean Football Association confirmed on Monday that Kwon had been cut from the squad. According to South Korean media reports, coach Shin Tae-yong will not call for a replacement, with Lee Chung-yong of Crystal Palace and Incheon United’s Moon Seon-min capable of filling the right midfield position.
Kwon is the latest injury worry for the coach. Defender Kim Min-jae and midfielder Yeom Ki-hun had earlier been left out of the initial 28-man squad announced last week. Fullback Kim Jin-su is being monitored ahead of the June 4 deadline when the final 23-player squads must be confirmed.
Captain Ki Sung-yeung told fans at a news conference in Seoul on Monday that the team is ready to challenge in Russia despite the setbacks.
“I know we have some injured players, but I have high expectations,” Ki said. “Our country has shown its power even when it has been in a difficult situation. I’m ready to lead the players as the captain.”
Despite the setback, Shin has pledged that South Korea will do their country proud in Russia. The head coach was speaking to thousands of supporters in Seoul on Monday at a presentation of his preliminary 27-man squad.
“I know fans are concerned because we’re in a tough group. But I believe we can make fans happy by beating Sweden in our first match,” Shin said.
The team are making their ninth consecutive World Cup appearance, but will likely struggle to qualify for the Round of 16 from group F, which contains Mexico, Sweden and world champions Germany.
Shin will announce his final 23-man squad after friendly matches against Honduras next week and Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 1.
South Korea kick off their campaign in Russia on June 18 against Sweden.
