Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan, captain of the South Korean national team, sustained a calf injury during a recent Premier League match, sidelining him for at least two weeks.
Injury Details Emerge
The 30-year-old star felt discomfort in his right calf during the 25th-round home fixture against Chelsea on February 8 (KST). He collapsed in the 41st minute of the first half, clutching his leg in pain before substitution. Medical staff followed standard protocols, but Hwang expressed frustration, shaking his head and slamming his boots against his back as he headed to the dressing room.
Club officials confirm the injury requires minimum two weeks of rest followed by a detailed scan to evaluate recovery. Wolverhampton coach Rob Edwards announced the update ahead of the away clash with Nottingham Forest on February 12 (KST), opting to rest Hwang immediately.
The team doctor stated, “Hwang Hee-chan sits out this match. The injury affects his calf. We expect to run a follow-up scan in two weeks to restore his condition.”
Coach Praises Commitment Amid Team Struggles
Edwards highlighted Hwang’s resilience despite the pain. “He pushed through externally today, maximizing his time on the pitch while nursing the injury,” the coach explained. He added that players like Toti Gomes remain in full individual training, while others show strong recovery progress but face selection doubts for upcoming games.
Hwang showcased durability recently, completing 10 straight league appearances without issues since mid-December. However, recurrent injuries pose risks of chronic problems if not managed carefully.
Relegation Threat Looms Large
Wolverhampton sit 18th in the standings with just 8 points from 25 games (1 win, 5 draws, 19 losses), marking three straight defeats—including a 1-3 loss to Chelsea. Analysts predict near-certain relegation, with only 17th-placed Nottingham Forest (26 points) and 18th West Ham (23 points, 15-point gap) nearby.
Promotion from the Championship appears challenging, amplifying pressure on the squad.
National Team Implications
The timing alarms South Korea’s camp. Hwang anchors the attack in the A-rank national team. Missing March internationals could jeopardize playoff chances for the June World Cup qualifiers hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Coach Hong Myung-bo confronts heightened uncertainty over his key forward’s availability.
