Incheon United is in tears over the ‘injury spirit’.
Incheon, led by coach Seong-Hwan Cho, is competing in three competitions in parallel for the first time since its founding this season. ‘Hana One Q K League 1 2023’, the Korea Football Association (FA) Cup, and the 2023-2024 season Asian Champions League (ACL) are being played.굿모닝토토
The atmosphere is not bad. Incheon strengthened its squad even before the opening with a ‘storm of recruiting’ players. After a transitional period at the beginning of the season, it has entered a stable period. In particular, it reached its peak by reuniting with ‘Living Legend’ Stefan Mugosa in the summer transfer market. Incheon, which gained momentum, cheered as it advanced to Final A for two consecutive seasons.
A problem occurred. It’s an injury. ‘Veteran midfielder’ Shin Jin-ho ended up on the operating table due to injury. Shin Jin-ho wore Incheon’s uniform ahead of this season. The addition of the K-League’s top midfielder raised great expectations. However, Shin Jin-ho was unable to play his role due to frequent injuries. At the crossroads between surgery and rehabilitation, I ultimately chose surgery. ‘Defensive core’ Del Bridge also left due to injury. An official from the Incheon club explained, “Shin Jin-ho had surgery. Delbridge’s (time of return) is not yet known. It is said that the abdominal injury is sensitive and difficult.”
The injury nightmare did not end there. Even ‘Ace’ Lee Myung-ju collapsed. Myung-Joo Lee was substituted out due to injury in the away game against Pohang Steelers held at Pohang Steel Yard on the 20th. Lee Myung-joo, who started as a starter that day, felt discomfort in his legs in the 41st minute of the first half. He reported his injury to the bench and then sat down on the ground. As a result of the emergency medical staff, it was determined that he could no longer play. In the end, Myung-joo Lee was replaced by Ji-hwan Moon and retired to the bench. Coach Seong-Hwan Cho said, “Lee Myung-Joo is suspected to have a medial ligament injury. I think he needs to undergo a detailed examination. Lee Myung-Joo’s injury is more disappointing than the result (against Pohang).” Myungju Lee is scheduled for a detailed examination on the 23rd.
Incheon is facing a tight schedule every three days, including the ACL match against Shandong Taishan (China) on the 25th. In particular, on November 1st, the FA Cup semifinals will be played against Jeonbuk Hyundai at Jeonju World Cup Stadium. At the most important time to achieve results, an injury put him in jeopardy.