Lee Kang-in Displays Eagerness in First Training Session
Following his triumph in the European Champions League, Lee Kang-in has arrived at the national team’s pre-tournament camp and immediately reported for training, demonstrating remarkable dedication. Lee Kang-in arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, on August 2nd (Korean time), where the South Korean national team is holding its preparatory camp for the 2026 North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup qualifiers.
Just a day after securing a second consecutive Champions League title with his team on May 31st, Lee Kang-in traveled to Paris, France, to participate in the championship ceremony. Despite the demanding travel schedule and potential fatigue, he bypassed settling into his accommodation, opting instead to join his teammates on the training field at the Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, after a brief lunch.
This direct arrival at training contrasts with other players who had previously settled into their lodging upon arrival and commenced training the following day. Lee Kang-in’s swift integration is seen as a reflection of his strong resolve to adapt quickly with the World Cup just over a year away.
Squad Fully Assembled with Lee Kang-in’s Arrival
With Lee Kang-in’s inclusion, the South Korean squad is now complete, comprising 26 players in the camp, which began two weeks prior. Lee Kang-in, sporting a newly dyed brown hairstyle with subtle blonde highlights, emerged from a van and greeted the gathered press with a bright smile and a wave.
When asked by a reporter if he was not tired, Lee Kang-in responded with a cheerful smile, stating, “I’m fine.” He then joined the team for a warm-up jog followed by rondos (a passing drill). He participated in the ball-passing exercises with players of similar age, including Seol Young-woo (Ulsan Hyundai), Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan Hyundai), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), Yens Castro (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Oh Hyeon-gyu (FC Basel), and Yoon Jong-gyu (FC Seoul). Laughter erupted multiple times as teammates made mistakes or engaged in playful banter during the drill.
Approximately 30 minutes into the session, Lee Kang-in moved to a stationary bicycle located at the side of the pitch. Considering the travel distances and the need to acclimatize to the altitude, a full-intensity training session was deemed impractical. Instead, he joined a few other players, including Son Heung-min (LA Galaxy), Lee Dong-gyeong, and Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon FC) – who had all played in the Trinidada Tobago match on May 31st – for a light cycling session to gently adjust his condition.
Teammates Celebrate Champions League Victory
Son Heung-min, who had joined the camp earlier on May 25th, sat next to Lee Kang-in on the bicycles. The two players were observed in continuous conversation while pedaling. Son Heung-min reportedly inquired about the altitude, asking Lee Kang-in, “How is the altitude?”
Sources within the Korea Football Association indicate that a brief celebration for the Champions League victory was held prior to the training session. Lee Kang-in, the newly crowned champion, received applause from his teammates for his achievement. The atmosphere was reportedly warm and celebratory, with players exchanging high-fives.
Squad Update and Injury Concerns
The South Korean team, returning to training after a day off on the 1st, had 27 participants on the field, including Lee Kang-in and two training partners, alongside the 25 official squad members. Cho Yu-min (Sharjah FC), who sustained an injury to his right ankle during the Trinidada Tobago match, has been ruled out and has already departed for home.
As a replacement for Cho Yu-min, defender Cho Hyeon-woo (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) participated in his first official training session with the national team. Goalkeeper Kim Tae-hyeon (Kashima Antlers) experienced flu-like symptoms for two days and accompanied the team to the training ground but was deemed unable to train and returned to the team hotel early.
Winger Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), who was a doubt for the Trinidada Tobago match due to a muscle injury, and Oh Hyeon-gyu (FC Basel), who had a knock to his ankle during a tackle in the same game, joined the squad. Goalkeeper Lee Han-beom (FC Midtjylland), who sustained a leg injury from a tackle during a match, also joined the team. All three participated in the training session normally.
However, winger Um Won-sang (Suwon City), who felt discomfort in his hamstring, and goalkeeper Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), who injured his foot during a tackle from an opposing player during a match, along with goalkeeper Lee Han-beom (FC Midtjylland), engaged in separate cycling sessions instead of the main jogging and rondo drills, carefully monitoring their physical condition. Their presence on the training field suggests their injuries are not severe.
Upcoming Fixtures
The national football team is scheduled to hold another training session on the 3rd before facing El Salvador in their second practice match on the 4th at the South Field of Progress, home of Bridgwater Town, where the Trinidada Tobago match was held.
In their previous match against Trinidada Tobago, South Korea secured a decisive 5-0 victory, with Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur) scoring a hat-trick and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers) adding another goal.
