Former England International Faces Fitness Issues and Injury Setbacks in K League Debut Season

Courtesy of FC SEOUL

Jesse Lingard, the former England international, made headlines when he signed with FC Seoul in February, becoming the first world-famous star to join the South Korean club. However, Lingard's debut season in the K League has been marred by fitness issues and injuries.

In the first seven games of the K League season, Lingard has only played a total of 105 minutes due to these setbacks. Last week, he underwent knee surgery, which is expected to sideline him for at least a month. 

▲ Jesse Lingard / Courtesy of FC SEOUL

Taking to Instagram, Lingard informed his 9.3 million followers about his successful surgery and expressed gratitude for the messages of support.

With the upcoming international break, Lingard may not return to action for Seoul until the middle of June, adding pressure for him to perform upon his return. Despite flashes of his skills, Lingard has yet to make a significant impact in the league.

His arrival in South Korea followed almost a year without meaningful action on the field, as he was released by Nottingham Forest at the end of the previous English Premier League season. Lingard's lack of recent game time may have contributed to his struggles, compounded by unfortunate injuries. 

▲ Jesse Lingard / Courtesy of FC SEOULCoach Kim Ki-dong's remarks after a game against Jeju United on March 16 drew attention, where he criticized Lingard's effort on the field. Both coach and player downplayed the significance of the comments, but they garnered international attention, particularly from the British football media.

Despite these challenges, Lingard has expressed his commitment to succeeding in the K League. While he has yet to shine on the field, Lingard's positive attitude off the pitch suggests potential for improvement.

In a league that has not traditionally attracted world-famous stars, Lingard's presence marks a new era. His success in South Korea would not only benefit FC Seoul but also elevate the league's profile globally. As Lingard continues his journey in the K League, there remains hope for him to make a significant impact.

Sayart

Kang In sig, insig6622@naver.com