[Soccer] Boro’s Lee Goes on Injured List

Middlesbrough striker Lee Dong-gook (pictured) will miss his next game in the English Premier League due to an ankle injury.

The team put Lee on the injured list yesterday. Lee reportedly got bruised during training.

His agent confirmed the injury, but downplayed any ramifications, saying, “It’s one of those injuries. He may miss one or two games.”

Thus, Lee might miss the rematch of the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. If that happens, it will be his third absence in a row.

Jeremie Aliadiere, whom Lee is battling for a starting position, was recently suspended for three games for his rough play. This was supposed to be Lee’s chance to shine, but his injury has ended that.

Midfielder Seol Ki-hyeon of Fulham is now a reserve, but against Derby County in London yesterday, his assist led to his team’s first goal in a 2-0 victory. Since an FA Cup match against the Bristol Rovers Jan. 22, he has been relegated to the bench.

Seol could face fellow Korean Park Ji-sung when Fulham plays Manchester United Saturday.

bluesky@donga.com