Hong Myung-bo, who is dedicated to recovering treatment during the A-match period, eventually canceled Kim Min-jae's call-up

Mar 15, 2025

Coach Hong Myung-bo announces the national team to compete in the World Cup qualifying round

'Monster Defender' Kim Min-jae (29, Bayern Munich) was eventually excluded from the call-up list of Hong Myung-bo due to injury.

The Korea Football Association decided to cancel the call-up on the morning of the 15th as "Kim Min-jae was determined to need treatment and recovery during the A-match period due to left Achilles tendinitis."We'll announce whether we'll be selected later." he said.

The South Korean national team, led by head coach Myung-bo, is set to play Oman (8 p.m. on the 20th) and Jordan (8 p.m. on the 25th) in Group B of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup.

Shortly after Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany reported Kim Min-jae's injury on the 14th, the Korea Football Association also urgently reported the release of Kim Min-jae's call-up. Kim Min-jae's Bayern Munich is set to make an away trip to Berlin Union in the German Bundesliga at Stadion An der Alten Försterai on the 15th (Korea time). Coach Kompany said in an official press conference on the 14th that `Kim Min-jae was injured.' "I hope it doesn't take too long, but I'll be out for a few weeks" he said. The Achilles tendon injury, which has been a chronic player since October, is a problem. Coach Kompany said "I'm struggling with my Achilles tendon. I hope I can come back soon, but I have to be careful not to overdo it when I'm already doing a lot of work"I hope it's not too serious an injury..." he added.

AFP Yonhap News

TZ, a local media outlet in Munich, Germany, said 'Kim Min-jae's injury may not be as serious as expected' and considered it an absence to give him a break in order to prevent more serious situations from occurring. If his condition recovers after taking a sufficient rest during the A-match period, he predicted the possibility of returning to the quarterfinals of the European Champions League against Inter Milan or the Bundesliga against Borsia Dortmund. "Since Eric Dier has been proven to be a solid center-back backup several times, Kim Min-jae's absence at Bayern Munich will be filled, but Hong Myung-bo's national team, which is struggling with defense problems ahead of the two consecutive games against Oman and Jordan, which will be confirmed to go to the World Cup next year, is the only real loser'," the media wrote.

In fact, Kim Min-jae's injury is also a big negative factor for Hong Myung-bo. At the announcement of the call-up list on the 10th, Hong said, `Kim Min-jae has Achilles tendon and ankle aftereffects, but under the current situation, Bayern Munich cannot sit on the bench either. So the team will also play. There are difficulties, but I will play while thinking positively. I have some difficulties in my body, but I'm playing well," he said, explaining the reason for the call-up, but he canceled the call-up to protect his team's injury official and players.

This article was translated by Naver AI translator.

Hong Myung-bo, who is dedicated to recovering treatment during the A-match period, eventually canceled Kim Min-jae's call-up

Sports