Adelaide United could receive a boost ahead of its Asian Champions League second-round clash next week with Jeonbuk Motors’ South Korea striker Lee Dong-guk is in doubt.
The 2009 K-League top scorer twisted his ankle in Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat at Chunnam Dragons and also has a problem with his thigh.
The knocks are not thought to be serious enough to put Lee’s 2010 World Cup chances in doubt but, as the player missed the 2006 tournament through injury, nothing is being taken for granted.
“He twisted his right ankle slightly in the first half,” said Jeonbuk coach Choi Kang-hee.
“We intended to take him off at half-time but he said he was fine. We will check in the morning to see what the situation is. A problem with a thigh muscle is also a worry.”
Jeonbuk’s busy schedule in the K-league and the continental tournament – the 2006 champions finished second in their group to earn a trip to Australia in next Wednesday’s one-off match – is a factor according to the coach.
“Lee has been in good condition all season until the Ulsan game (on April 24) and since then he hasn’t look as good. We don’t know for sure what will happen yet but the player hasn’t said that he is in a lot of pain.”
The former Middlesbrough striker was named by South Korea coach Huh Jung-moo in his preliminary 30-man squad for South Africa.
