Lee Kang-in Suffers Injury in Paris Saint-Germain’s First Match
Paris, France – July 22, 2023
In an unfortunate turn of events, ‘Genius’ Lee Kang-in (22) sustained an unexpected injury during his debut game for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). PSG emerged victorious with a 2-0 scoreline, thanks to an additional goal by Kylian Mbappe, in a pre-season friendly against Le Havre on July 22nd at PSG’s Paris Campus in France.
The match showcased a significant disparity in skills between PSG, the reigning champions of Ligue 1, and Le Havre, a newly promoted team from Ligue 2. The highlight of the game was the highly anticipated clash between Lee Kang-in and the team’s new coach, Luis Enrique. PSG entrusted Lee Kang-in, alongside Ismael Garbi and Marco Asensio, as one of their top three forwards.
Lee Kang-in, donning the number 19 jersey, actively contributed to the team’s attack, displaying remarkable skills and vision in the midfield. His ability to steal the ball and deliver precise passes impressed both his teammates and spectators. Despite Le Havre’s staunch defense, which involved all ten outfield players, PSG struggled to penetrate their adversary’s backline.
Regrettably, in the 24th minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in collided with a defender while receiving the ball, resulting in a foot injury. This incident hampered his involvement in the game; however, he managed to provide a killer pass to Asensio in the 26th minute, although it unfortunately missed its mark. Lee Kang-in also earned a free-kick opportunity in the 28th minute, showcasing his kicking prowess.
Midway through the match, Lee Kang-in experienced increased discomfort in his right thigh, signaling a hamstring problem. The coaching staff promptly assessed his condition and made the decision to substitute him in the 43rd minute of the first half to avoid further complications.
Despite Lee Kang-in’s absence, PSG dominated the second half, securing a 2-0 victory with an exceptional goal scored by Kylian Mbappe in the 45th minute. Although Lee Kang-in missed the opportunity to collaborate with Mbappe, he had already caught the attention of coach Enrique with his wide field of vision, quick passing, and superb accuracy during his time on the pitch.
While hamstring injuries are not easily healed and have a high risk of recurrence, PSG’s schedule does not provide sufficient time for recovery. The team is set to embark on a Japanese tour, facing Al Nasr in Osaka on the 25th, Cerezo Osaka in Osaka on the 28th, and Inter Milan in Tokyo on August 1st. However, it is plausible that Lee Kang-in may have to forgo the Japan trip to focus on recuperation.
Although his participation in the upcoming matches remains uncertain, Lee Kang-in is expected to make a full recovery in time for the match against Jeonbuk Hyundai in Busan on August 3rd. This eagerly awaited fixture will serve as an exclusive stage for Korean fans to witness Lee Kang-in’s return to action.
Contact: jasonseo34@osen.co.kr
No Reproduction or Redistribution Without Permission
Provided by OSEN | 2023.07.22 07:55
[OSEN=서정환 기자] ‘Genius’ Lee Kang-in (22) suffered an unexpected injury during his first game for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
PSG won 2-0 with an extra goal by Kylian Mbappe in a pre-season friendly against Le Havre at 0:00 am (hereafter referred to as Korean time) on the 22nd at PSG’s Paris Campus, France. Le Havre are a promoted team who won the French Ligue 2 last season and moved up to Ligue 1. However, there was a significant difference in skills with PSG, the strongest team in Ligue 1.
Much attention was focused on the first match between Lee Kang-in and new coach Luis Enrique. PSG, along with Ismael Garbi and Marco Asensio, sent Lee Kang-in as a top three sortie. Lee Kang-in was Three Top’s right striker and worked well with his teammates. Kylian Mbappe is on the bench and Neymar is out of the list.
Lee Kang-in, who wore number 19, took an active part in the pressure in the middle of the field and showed an active appearance. After stealing the ball from midfield, Lee Kang-in was caught guarding the ball with spectacular skills and passed it. Lee Kang-in’s wide field of view and accurate kicking power stood out.
In Le Havre, all 10 outfield players focused on defense. PSG attacked unilaterally, but it was not easy to break through the defense. In the 24th minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in collided with a defender while receiving the ball and complained of pain in his foot.
In the 26th minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in’s killer pass was directed to Asensio, but unfortunately it did not reach his toes, so he was not involved in the shot. Lee Kang-in was fouled in the 28th minute and had a free kick opportunity. Lee Kang-in and Garbi took a free kick and Garbi fired a right foot shot. Lee Kang-in, who was in charge of Mallorca’s kicker, was also recognized for his kicking power at PSG.
An emergency has occurred. Lee Kang-in grabbed his right thigh in the 42nd minute and complained of pain. Lee Kang-in, who had a hamstring problem, was finally diagnosed by the coaching staff during the match and was replaced at 43 minutes of the first half. It replaced player protection.
PSG scrambled for Kylian Mbappe in the second half and won 2-0. Mbappe showed his strength by scoring an extra goal in the 45th minute of the second half. Due to Lee Kang-in’s injury, the opportunity to work with Mbappe was passed to the next.
On this day, coach Enrique gave opportunities to as many players as possible and checked his new face. Lee Kang-in received the attention of coach Enrique with his wide field of vision, quick passing, and accurate kicking power. Lee Kang-in has sufficiently proven that he is a player who can fill Messi’s void.
However, hamstring injuries do not heal easily and the possibility of recurrence is high. Now PSG will move to Japan and go on a Japanese tour. PSG will have a tight schedule with Al Nasr in Osaka on the 25th, Cerezo Osaka in Osaka on the 28th, and Inter Milan in Tokyo on August 1st.
PSG, who recruited Lee Kang-in, will move to Korea and face Jeonbuk Hyundai in Busan on August 3. It is a stage for Korean fans only. Lee Kang-in is very likely to miss the Japan trip to recover from injury. Lee Kang-in is expected to recover in time for the Jeonbuk game. / jasonseo34@osen.co.kr
[저작권자 @머니투데이, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
#Lee #Kangins #Unexpected #Minor #Injury #PSG #Debut #Asian #Tour #inevitable
