Spurs, Bayern & PSG set to lose key players as Korea Republic names Asian Cup squad

Clubs across the continent are preparing themselves to lose key personnel as players head to the African Cup of Nations which will be staged in Ivory Coast in January. However, another major continental competition will also be taking place in Qatar at the same time as 24 nations will battle it out in the 2023 Asian Cup which kicks-off on 12 January and runs to 10 February. Qatar are the reigning champions and the pre-tournament favorites are: Australia, Qatar, Japan, Iran, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

South Korea are one of the first nations to name their squad as Jürgen Klinsmann’s side look to secure a title that has eluded the Taegeuk Warriors since 1960 and that 64 year wait weighs heavy on a nation with a proud national side.

Among those 26 players called-up by the German coach are Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich, Kang-In Lee, PSG midfielder; Heung-min Son, from Tottenham; Woo-yeong Jeong, from Stuttgart, or Hwang Hee-chan from Wolverhampton. All key losses for their respective clubs but key players for the South Korean team.

Tottenham’s Son will miss five games with the Spurs, including a key clash at Old Trafford. PSG´s Kang-In Lee will miss about five matches with the Parisians and should South Korea reach the final of the Asian Cup, the 22-year-old would have very little time prepare with Luis Enrique as PSG face Real Sociedad on 14 February in the Champions League Round of 16.