Ki Sung-yueng has returned to Newcastle after his Asian Cup campaign was ended early by a hamstring injury.
The 29-year-old picked up the problem in South Korea’s opening game of the tournament, against the Philippines, and has since aggravated it in training.
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A club statement said: “Ki Sung-yueng has returned to Newcastle United after a recurrence of a hamstring injury suffered on international duty with Korea Republic.
“He first picked up an injury during his country’s opening game of the Asian Cup, against the Philippines on January 7, and was substituted.
“After suffering a recurrence in training, the 29-year-old has been recalled by the Magpies. He is now back on Tyneside, where his injury will be assessed by the club’s medical staff.”
Ki last played for the Magpies in a 0-0 Premier League draw with Fulham, and his absence could hardly have been worse-timed, with Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame also on the casualty list.
Manager Rafael Benitez was unhappy at how early his player was required to meet up with the South Korea squad and his mood will hardly have been improved by events since.
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