NafisaCeltic winger Yang Hyun-jun has suffered a minor hamstring injury while on Asian Games duty with South Korea, leaving Martin O’Neill facing another concern after a difficult run of results.
The 24-year-old has been absent from Celtic’s squad during a particularly difficult period for the club, with O’Neill’s side suffering three consecutive defeats.
His absence has been felt particularly keenly on the flanks, where Celtic have struggled to find the right balance in recent matches.
But while Celtic supporters will understandably be hoping that Yang can recover quickly, the winger has a much bigger personal target in mind.
South Korea are through to the semi-finals of the tournament and are chasing a fourth consecutive Asian Games title.
For Yang, winning the competition could also have major implications beyond football.
Yang reveals hamstring injury
Yang featured during the group stage for South Korea but was ruled out of their latest match after suffering a hamstring problem.
South Korea subsequently cruised into the semi-finals with a 4-0 victory over Vietnam.
The Celtic winger is now targeting a return for the latter stages of the tournament and remains hopeful that the injury will not keep him out for long.
Speaking during the tournament in Japan, Yang revealed his frustration at being unable to contribute on the pitch.
“I have a minor injury to my hamstring. Right now, I am preparing with the goal of reaching the semifinals and the finals.
“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.”
Yang’s determination to return is understandable given what is at stake.
South Korea have won the last three editions of the competition and remain firmly in contention for another title.
But for Yang personally, lifting the trophy could mean considerably more than another medal.
The bigger prize for Yang
Success at the Asian Games can allow South Korean footballers to receive an exemption from the country’s mandatory military service.
Yang was selected as one of South Korea’s wild-card players for the tournament, making his involvement particularly significant.
The winger therefore has a major incentive to recover and play his part as South Korea attempt to go all the way.
A gold medal could potentially spare him the requirement to complete the country’s mandatory 18-month national service.
That explains why Yang is so keen to return despite his hamstring problem.
For Celtic, meanwhile, it means their winger’s short-term absence could ultimately have a very different significance.
If South Korea win the tournament, Yang could return having secured the medal he needs to avoid national service.
O’Neill already knew Celtic would miss him
Yang’s absence has coincided with a difficult spell for Celtic.
The Hoops have struggled to find a consistent attacking balance, with Sebastian Tounekti failing to provide the desired impact while Camilo Duran has often been deployed away from his natural position on the right.
O’Neill has previously shown plenty of faith in Yang, including giving him opportunities in important matches.
The Korean winger also left Celtic in good form.
His final appearance before joining up with South Korea saw him score the winner in a 2-1 victory away to St Mirren on September 5.
At that point, Celtic were five points clear at the top of the Premiership and appeared to be in a strong domestic position.
Things have changed considerably since then.
Celtic subsequently suffered three successive defeats, including two against Rangers, leaving O’Neill under increasing pressure.
And the Celtic manager had already warned supporters that Yang would be a significant absence.
Speaking after the victory over St Mirren, O’Neill admitted he was disappointed to lose the winger but also joked about wanting South Korea to exit the tournament early.
“We are going to miss him. He’s in really fine form at the moment. Really disappointed. I hope they get beaten quickly! No, I don’t. I don’t. Please, scrub that! He’ll read this and he’ll be really disappointed. But no, because if they do, if they don’t win the tournament, then he has to do national service. So I hope they do win it. But yeah, he’s signed off. Brilliant goal. He’s in great form and he’ll work for you going backwards. He doesn’t mind doing that hard graft.”
The comments perfectly captured the unusual situation Celtic find themselves in.
O’Neill badly wants Yang back because of what he offers his team, particularly given the winger’s recent form.
But the Celtic boss also knows that a South Korean triumph would be hugely beneficial to Yang personally.
Celtic will be watching closely
For now, Yang’s priority is getting his hamstring right and helping South Korea through the final stages of the competition.
The semi-final will provide his next potential opportunity, with South Korea set to face either China or Thailand.
His immediate target is therefore clear.
“I am preparing with the goal of reaching the semifinals and the finals,” Yang said.
Celtic will undoubtedly be hoping his recovery progresses quickly.
But there is an unusual twist to the situation.
The longer South Korea remain in the competition, the longer Celtic must wait for Yang to return to Glasgow.
Yet if the winger can recover in time to help his country win the gold medal, that extended absence could ultimately prove enormously valuable to him.
For O’Neill and Celtic, it is a frustrating wait.
For Yang, it could be the most important tournament of his career.
Nafisa
