Kang-In Lee clarifies what is really going on with his ankle after asking to be substituted in Korea

Atlético de Madrid

The condition of Kang-In Lee is one of the issues the Atlético will have to review with the return of their internationals. The player started in South Korea's win against Uzbekistan, but he did not come on for the second half.

The substitution was not planned. South Korea coach Robert Moreno confirmed after the match that it was Kang-In Lee himself who asked to leave the pitch after noticing problems with his ankle.

«It was a request of his own due to an ankle injury», the coach said. Moreno later expanded on the explanation: «He suffered an ankle injury and was inevitably forced to come off. After the first half, he himself requested the substitution. It was not in our plans. We have to adapt to that kind of variables».

The main new development has come from the words of the player himself. Kang-In Lee has clarified that the discomfort is not new and, at the same time, he has played down what happened during the match.

«It's something that has been bothering me for a while. It's nothing serious. It's an old injury and I have to manage it properly. I appreciate that the coach took it into account», he said.

Atlético will have to assess his discomfort

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Kang-In Lee
14.530.000€+100.000€4

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16

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3

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2

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Once back in the Spanish capital, the rojiblancos medical services will need to assess the condition of his ankle and determine his status ahead of the LaLiga restart.

Simeone is also keeping an eye on Alejandro Grimaldo, who continues with specific work after the discomfort he suffered during his time with Spain. The coach expects to have his internationals back to full fitness over the coming days.

Robert Moreno, in addition to explaining the reason for the substitution, highlighted the expectations Kang-In Lee generates in South Korea. «When a player is that good, expectations rise, so meeting those expectations is not easy», the selector said.

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