It's a pleasant twist. 'Korean-German mixed-blood prospect' Jens Castrop (22, FC Nuremberg) has avoided a torn ligament.

Germany's Bild reported on the 24th (Korean time) that "an amazing result came out of the MRI exam. Many fans, Castrop himself, and even doctors were initially worried about a torn ligament. However, Castrop's lateral ligament was 'only' partially torn. No surgery is planned.

Castrop started in the match against Paderborn on the 19th, but collapsed just 15 minutes into the game. He tripped over the grass while running for a challenge, twisting his right knee. Feeling severe pain, Castrop was taken off the field on a stretcher, his eyes filled with tears.

After the match, news broke that Castrop would be out for the season. Nuremberg officially announced, "Castrop has partially torn the lateral ligament of his right knee. This means that he will not play again this season. At 21, he has played in 25 matches this season, recording 3 goals and 4 assists. We hope for his speedy recovery."

Bild was surprised by the fact that Castrop avoided a more serious injury. Unlike expectations, he does not need surgery and is expected to be able to participate in the preseason. Though he is still out for the season, just being able to return in 3 months is a great relief.

Bild analyzed that Castrop's strong leg muscles helped prevent a major injury. The media stated, "Why did Castrop end up with a relatively light injury? As a German U-21 national team player, the leg muscles stabilizing his knee joint and protecting the ligaments are particularly strong. Castrop completes personal lower body strength training almost every day after practice. This is likely why he was able to avoid a more severe injury."

This news is especially welcome for Castrop since a transfer to Borussia Mönchengladbach is scheduled. He is set to leave the second division Nuremberg at the end of this season to join Mönchengladbach. Mönchengladbach, which has been keeping an eye on Castrop's performance, signed him for a transfer fee of €4.5 million (about 7.3 billion won) last February. The contract runs until 2029.

Bild noted, "What are Castrop's next plans? He is still with Nuremberg. The next steps for his return are already being discussed closely with his new club, Mönchengladbach. Castrop could even participate in the exhibition match on July 26 at Nuremberg. Miroslav Klose, the Nuremberg manager, said, 'I once experienced something similar that lasted for 8 weeks.'"

Meanwhile, Castrop may have the possibility of playing with the Taegeuk mark in the future. Born to a German father and a Korean mother, he has recently been called up to the German youth national teams but has not yet chosen the German senior national team. Depending on his choice, he could also play for the South Korean national team.

Castrop is primarily a central midfielder but can also play as a right defender. He is exactly the resource the national team needs right now. As he has settled into the role of a three-line midfielder this season, he could be the key to solving the long-standing issue of finding a partner for Hwang In-beom.

Castrop has also shown affection for Korea. He said in 2022, "I have a pretty strong bond with Korea. I have visited Korea a few times. It is a truly beautiful country, and its people and culture are wonderful. That's why I have both the German flag and the Taegeukgi on my profile." Last year, he shared a photo from his visit to Korea, captioning it "home."

In fact, the South Korean national team is also pushing for Castrop's naturalization. It has been reported that former coach Jürgen Klinsmann contacted Castrop last year, but he was dismissed in the meantime.

Recently, coach Hong Myung-bo has reportedly shown interest in Castrop and checked on him directly, but it seems to be premature. He stated last month, "I went to Europe to watch the games live. The coaching staff had a brief conversation with his mother. However, there are many complex factors just considering performance. That means there are many issues to resolve," adding, "Naturalization is being prepared from a long-term perspective. There are currently no clear movements."

However, the national team may not have much time left. If Castrop continues to be a key player in the German youth national teams and builds his presence, the possibility of moving up to the senior national team cannot be ruled out.

[Photo] Nuremberg, Mönchengladbach, Jens Castrop social media.

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