Jun-ho Bae

Bae (ankle) is training lightly and expected to miss their friendly against El Salvador on Wednesday, according to a team official, per the Korea Herald. "Bae likely won't play because of that tackle."

Analysis: Bae is still recovering from an ankle injury he suffered in the club's last friendly, as the midfielder was training but only in a limited manner. This is still good news, as he is seemingly making a quick return, trying to race for fitness for the World Cup opener. However, he is likely to miss their final friendly on Wednesday to be cautious of his scenario, not pushing him too hard with the tournament a week from starting.

Jun 1, 2026

Suffers minor ankle injury

Bae picked up a right ankle injury during Saturday's 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago but is expected to remain with South Korea's World Cup squad, according to Korea Times.

Analysis: Bae's injury is less serious than the one that ruled out his teammate Cho Yu-Min (foot), and the national team medical staff are confident enough in his recovery to keep him with the group heading into the tournament. The midfielder's condition will be monitored closely over the coming days before any further clarity emerges on his availability for South Korea's World Cup opener against Czechia on June 11 in Guadalajara.

Jun-ho Bae

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Training lightly

Suffers minor ankle injury

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