Injury Concerns for South Korea Defender
South Korean defender Kim Min-jae is set to miss the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Jordan due to an Achilles injury sustained while playing for Bayern Munich. His absence has sparked criticism aimed at the club regarding their management of player health.
Criticism from National Coach
Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korean national team, expressed concern over Bayern Munich’s handling of Kim’s fitness. He stated that the club did not adequately protect Kim from injury, leading to a significant loss for both the national team and the player. “We are in a situation where we have to play these important matches without a key player,” Hong lamented.
Kim’s Impact and Current Status
The 28-year-old defender has been a crucial player for Bayern, appearing in 37 of the team’s 41 matches this season. Although he was an unused substitute in a Bundesliga match against Bochum, he played a full match in the Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen shortly before his injury was assessed.
National Team Implications
Kim Min-jae has been an essential figure for South Korea, earning 69 caps and participating in both the 2022 World Cup and the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. His absence will be felt in the team’s effort to secure one of the top two spots in their qualifying group, having accumulated 14 points so far.
Responses from Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich has not publicly responded to the accusations made by the South Korean coach. The situation raises broader questions about the responsibilities of clubs in safeguarding players’ fitness, especially during international fixtures.
Upcoming Matchups for South Korea
With four matches remaining in the World Cup qualifying campaign, South Korea is in a strong position, sitting five points ahead of third-place Jordan, whom they will face on March 25. FC Seoul defender Kim Ju-sung has been called up to replace Kim Min-jae for these crucial qualifiers.
