Celtic’s Yang Hyun-jun has revealed that a hamstring problem was behind his absence as South Korea advanced to the Asian Games semi-finals. The winger remained unused during the 4-0 quarter-final victory over Vietnam, despite South Korea making all five substitutions.
Speaking after the game, Yang confirmed that his fitness had been compromised but that he retained an ambition to be fit for the last stages of the Asian Games.
“I have a minor injury to my hamstring,” he said.
“Right now, I am preparing with the goal of reaching the semi-finals and the finals.”
Yang also admitted his frustration at being unable to make the contribution he had hoped for after being selected as a wildcard player.
“I was selected as a wild card, but since I haven’t been in good physical condition recently and now I’m on top of that with an injury, I feel really sorry for my teammates. I also feel like I’m not being of any help.
“So I tried to be of even a little more help from the bench. I also check on their daily lives to see if they are experiencing any inconveniences, and I try to do whatever they need. The goal is a quick recovery.”
The news gives Celtic another fitness situation to monitor during the international break, particularly following the uncertainty surrounding Haissem Hassan. The Egyptian star played 60 minutes after seemingly picking up an injury.
South Korea remain in contention for a fourth consecutive Asian Games football gold medal and Yang hopes to recover in time to feature in the closing stages.
Celtic will meanwhile want their winger returned to Glasgow fully fit rather than risk a minor hamstring complaint becoming a more substantial absence. Yang’s absence has been felt over the last two weeks, suffering three defeats on the bounce. When Yang returns, he will likely face competition from Jota for a place in the Celtic starting XI, which might see him returning to the right wing.
