Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) is preparing to return to the UEFA Champions League stage.
Paris Saint-Germain will host Aston Villa of the English Premier League in the first leg of the 2024-2025 season UCL quarterfinal at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, at 4 a.m. on the 10th (Korean time). Lee is set to compete in the Champions League for the first time in about three weeks since his injury.
Lee sustained an ankle ligament injury during a match against Oman in the third qualifying round of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup held on the 20th of last month. He was brought in earlier than expected due to a sudden injury to Baek Seung-ho and contributed by assisting Hwang Hee-chan's opening goal, but he was substituted in the first half due to complaints of pain.
After the match, Lee exited the stadium on crutches, raising concerns about a serious injury; however, fortunately, a thorough examination confirmed that he was at a recoverable level. He was early excluded from the national team call-up and returned to Paris Saint-Germain, focusing on rehabilitation and treatment.
Paris Saint-Germain announced through their official channel on the 1st that "Lee Kang-in has sustained an injury to his left ankle and is currently undergoing treatment," and on the 4th, they noted that "Lee has partially returned to team training." In training footage released on the 8th, he was seen smiling and fully participating in practice.
Considering his match rhythm and physical condition, Lee is likely to be used as a substitute in the second half rather than starting. He remained on the bench during the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Liverpool and came on as a substitute in the 11th minute of the first half of the second leg.
Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Liverpool (1-1, 4-1 on penalties), while Aston Villa progressed by defeating Club Brugge with an aggregate score of 6-1. Recently, Paris Saint-Germain secured two trophies this season by winning the Trophée des Champions (Super Cup) and Ligue 1. They also reached the final of the French Cup, keeping alive the possibility of a 'treble,' and if they add the Champions League title, they will achieve their first 'quadruple' since their founding.
Paris Saint-Germain, who secured the league title unbeaten, is poised for one last challenge in the Champions League stage for the remaining season. Lee has completed his preparations to contribute to the team, coinciding with this crucial moment.
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