By Yoon Chul
National football team manager Cho Kwang-rae called up Son Heung-min of Hamburg SV again for matches in October.
Also called up to join the national team for the first time were Seo Jung-jin of Jeonbuk Motors, Lee Seung-ki of Gwangju Sangmu and Lee Hyun-seung of Chunnam Dragons.
Cho announced 25 footballers for the friendly against Poland on Oct. 7 and Korea’s third qualifying round match for the World Cup against the United Arab Emirates on Oct. 11.
He called on 12 footballers in overseas leagues including national team captain Park Chu-young of Arsenal, Son, Ki Sung-yueng of Celtic and Ji Dong-won of Sunderland.
Son didn’t join the national squad in the previous world cup qualifying match due to an ankle injury.
“I have worried about the overseas players’ condition. But as they have already taken part in the first and second qualifying games, they will be well prepared,” Cho said.
The national team boss also showed huge trust in Park as captain.
“(Park) Chu-young will return to our squad in a better condition than expected. If he shows good performance with the national team, then he will play well for Arsenal,” added Park.
Since Park moved to Arsenal from AS Monaco, he has failed to draw much attention. Park debuted for Arsenal in a Carling Cup match against Shrewsbury Sept. 20 but his performance didn’t satisfy the fans and club.
In the domestic league, veteran Kim Jung-woo of Seongnam Chunma was off the roster as he was injured in a K-League game, Sunday.
Cha Du-ri, who was injured during the previous qualifying match against Kuwait, was not named and Cho mentioned he would call him up if he completes his rehabilitation.
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