Dijon FCO’s South Korean midfielder, Kwon Chang-hoon is likely to miss the 2018 FIFA World Cup due to injury, French media reported on Sunday.
Kwon started as a forward in Dijon’s French Ligue 1 match against Angers at Stade Gaston-Gerard in Dijon on Saturday, but was forced off in the 76th minute due to injury.
According to the reports, the 23-year-old injured his Achilles tendon and is likely to miss the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
At Russia 2018, South Korea will face Sweden, Mexico and Germany in Group F, and South Korea’s first match against Sweden is scheduled for June 18 in Nizhny Novgorod.
Although Kwon’s exact injury status has not been revealed, he appeared to have a ruptured Achilles tendon and will likely be sidelined for months.
Kwon is one of the 28 members named for South Korea’s preliminary squad for the World Cup.
He was considered a key attacking player for South Korea due to his impressive season in France.
The former Suwon Samsung Bluewings player, who joined Dijon in January 2017, scored 11 goals in 34 matches this season.
With South Korea, Kwon has four goals in 16 appearances and his injury will deepen concerns for South Korean head coach Shin Tae-yong.
Shin’s side has already lost centre-back Kim Min-jae and midfielder Yeom Ki-hun, while left back Kim Jin-su is doubtful for upcoming matches due to injuries.
Asan Mugungwha midfielder Ju Se-jong and Gangwon FC forward Lee Keun-ho, who both made the provisional roster, were also injured in domestic league action recently.
But there are some indications that the two players will be able to compete at the World Cup.
South Korea are scheduled to start training on Monday at the National Football Centre in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, after the players and coaching staff attend a team launching ceremony in Seoul.
The Taeguk Warriors will play against Honduras on May 28 and face Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 1 at home before they confirm the final roster of 23 players.(Yonhap/NAN)
