Lee Kang-in asks off at half-time v Uzbekistan with ankle injury

📰 Lee Kang-in lasted only the first half against Uzbekistan because of an ankle injury, as Moreno's Korea finished their four-match window with two wins, a draw and a defeat. 📌 Key points 🩹 Lee Kang-in was replaced at half-time with an ankle injury. 🙋 Robert Moreno said Lee asked to be substituted himself. ❓ The severity and recovery time have not been disclosed. 📋 Korea ended the September–October window with two wins, a draw and a defeat. 🚪 Moreno says the next squad will be picked on performance, not names. 📝 What happened 🩹 Lee started against Uzbekistan at Yongin Mireu Stadium on 6 October but did not reappear for the second half. Moreno told the post-match press conference that Lee "asked to be substituted after the first half" because of an ankle problem, adding that it "wasn't in our plan". ❤️ Moreno described Lee as a player who "without a doubt loves Korea and the national team". Lee had supplied the cross for Son Heung-min's 58th goal against Uruguay on 28 September. With no details on the injury yet, attention turns to his assessment back at Atlético Madrid. 📋 Son Heung-min's free kick and Oh Se-hun's header gave Korea a 2-0 win. Moreno's four games read: Ecuador 3-0 (W), Uruguay 1-4 (L), Venezuela 0-0 (D), Uzbekistan 2-0 (W). Moreno called it "not an easy game" but said the window had shown a team that attacks and defends together and gets through difficult moments as a unit. 🚪 Looking ahead, he said he would prioritise "performance and form over players' names" in the next call-up, and described the national team as "always an open door" when asked about the Asian Games gold medallists. 📊 By the numbers • Moreno's four games: W2 D1 L1 • Six scored, four conceded • 2-0 win and a clean sheet against Uzbekistan 🔭 Why it matters Lee is central to Korea's attack. A lengthy lay-off would hit his club and could affect the national team's November schedule. Korea play two away friendlies in November, and it will be worth watching whether Moreno follows through on picking form over reputation.