'In hospital' - Birmingham City star breaks silence following new injury blow

Paik Seung-ho has confirmed he suffered a hamstring injury during South Korea’s 1-1 draw with Oman on Tuesday.

The Blues midfielder was replaced in the 39th minute by Paris Saint-Germain winger Kang-in Lee after feeling discomfort, putting an early end to his 21st senior appearance for his nation. Paik went down, held the back of his thigh and received treatment from the medical staff before limping off the field.

Paik rather promisingly returned to the bench after half time instead of remaining in the dressing room for further treatment. The midfielder was also capable of walking around the perimeter of the pitch for a lap of honour in front of supporters.

Nonetheless, it’s concerning that Paik was not able to even try and carry on for the final few minutes of the first half. Head coach Hong Myung-bo didn’t want to take any risks and he’ll now assess his player ahead of the second and final World Cup qualifier of this break, against Jordan on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media after the game, Paik offered an update on his situation. “I felt something in my hamstring,” he admitted. “I noticed it slightly around the middle of the first half. But since I could still run and pass without major issues, I thought it would be okay to keep playing.

“However, as I kept running, the discomfort increased, so I ended up being substituted. In regards to the next match I’ll have to go to the hospital tomorrow to check. It’s hard to say for sure right now,” Paik said.

Blues sweating on Paik’s fitness

One of Blues’ players of the season for his involvement in what has been a dominant League One campaign, Paik has been nearly ever-present alongside Tomoki Iwata in a midfield double pivot. The Barcelona academy graduate boldly turned down offers from Leeds United, Sheffield United and Norwich City last summer and it has paid off as he’s quickly becoming a fan favourite at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park.

Birmingham will be anxiously awaiting news about the extent of Paik’s injury as there are several important fixtures coming up after the international break. Chris Davies’ side fit their last 10 League One matches into the space of just five weeks, while the Vertu Trophy final against Peterborough United at Wembley Stadium is now just four weeks away.

Paik isn’t the only player with a fresh injury, either, as striker Jay Stansfield was sent back prematurely from his England Under-21 duty. Birmingham’s record signing is understood to have suffered a knock and was advised to return to Blues for rehabilitation.

It awaits to be seen if Paik will follow suit or if the South Korean will remain in Asia with his national team. Regardless, Blues will ensure the correct, cautious steps are taken to give both Paik and Stansfield the best chance of featuring against Shrewsbury Town on March 29.

In other news, Blues can continue their rise back to the Premier League with a genius £1 million summer transfer.