Jun-ho Bae
Stoke CityAM (RW)
--
Aug 21, 2003 (22)
Right
5'10"
154 lb
Set to miss opener
Bae (ankle) has little chances of taking part in South Korea's World Cup opener versus Czechia, Bibim Ballers reports.
Analysis: Bae has been in and out of the national team's starting lineup, and his potential absence will limit the side's capacity to rotate in the attacking midfield zone. On the other hand, players such as Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-Min should continue to be heavily involved, and that could be the case even after Bae fulfills his recovery. The youngster may still have opportunities to play later in the competition, perhaps adding offensive threat off the bench.
Remains sidelined
Bae (ankle) is yet to join team training ahead of Thursday's World Cup opener against Czechia, according to Steve Han.
Analysis: Bae is still a major concern for Korea as they head into their World Cup opener, as the midfielder is yet to return to the playing field since an injury in a friendly. He does have a serious chance at capturing some time in the group stages if he can return to fitness, showing some decent work with Stoke City this campaign, despite his young age of 22. However, his chances to make the opener now seem to be slim, although he will hope for a return in the second and third group stage contests.
Training lightly
Bae (ankle) is training lightly and expected to miss their friendly against El Salvador on Wednesday, according to a team official, per the Korea Herald. "Bae likely won't play because of that tackle."
Analysis: Bae is still recovering from an ankle injury he suffered in the club's last friendly, as the midfielder was training but only in a limited manner. This is still good news, as he is seemingly making a quick return, trying to race for fitness for the World Cup opener. However, he is likely to miss their final friendly on Wednesday to be cautious of his scenario, not pushing him too hard with the tournament a week from starting.
Suffers minor ankle injury
Bae picked up a right ankle injury during Saturday's 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago but is expected to remain with South Korea's World Cup squad, according to Korea Times.
Analysis: Bae's injury is less serious than the one that ruled out his teammate Cho Yu-Min (foot), and the national team medical staff are confident enough in his recovery to keep him with the group heading into the tournament. The midfielder's condition will be monitored closely over the coming days before any further clarity emerges on his availability for South Korea's World Cup opener against Czechia on June 11 in Guadalajara.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare