Lee’s Surgery Successful While Park Awaits Results

Lee Young-pyo (30, Tottenham Hotspur) has undergone successful surgery, while Park Ji-sung (26, Manchester United) is still waiting for the results of his in-depth examination.

Zissen, Lee Young-pyo’s management agency, announced on April 18, “Lee underwent successful surgery in London, England, and is currently resting.”

Lee began to feel pain in his left knee after the quarterfinal match against Sevilla FC on April 6. Thorough testing revealed that his outer ligament was torn and required immediate surgery. This spelled an end to Lee’s season as it would be two to three months before he could recommence training. Lee will continue to undergo further medical treatment while in England. Whether he will be fit to play in the Asian Cup national team, scheduled for July, is yet to be decided, and will hinge on the amount of time required for his treatment and rehabilitation programs to be completed.

As for Park Ji-sung, it will take another week for the results of the examination on his injured right knee to be returned. His agency, JS Limited, reported that Park is in no pain at the present time. In its tough quest to accomplish a treble, Manchester United is currently suffering from the loss of key players including Park Ji-sung, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, and John O’Shea. Manager Alex Ferguson, however, will not recall Park to the pitch until his test results are finalized in order to prevent any further damage.

Meanwhile, the Manchester United official website has reported that Rio Ferdinand and John O’Shea, suffering groin and calf injuries respectively, may be able to play again soon which will ease the team’s injury concerns.

bluesky@donga.com