Birmingham City midfielder Paik Seung-ho has been allowed to leave the South Korean national team because of an injury and is heading back to his club. The Korea Football Association stated the player is returning to St Andrew's before the next league game against West Bromwich Albion.
The association issued a comment saying, "For the protection of the player, he is scheduled to return to his club team." Paik did not play in South Korea's victory over Ecuador and was absent from the squad for their defeat to Uruguay. He has now departed the national team camp with forward Cho Gue-sung.
Paik has been frequently selected by manager Chris Davies this term, appearing in every one of Birmingham's ten matches in the league and cup. He has entered four league games as a substitute but was in the starting lineup for both cup matches. His most significant moment was scoring the decisive goal with his head in the win at Derby County. His overall involvement indicates he is a regular member of the squad.
His comeback increases the choices in midfield for Davies, with the team currently in tenth place in the league table. Birmingham's recent results are DWLDD, following a draw with Middlesbrough. They are close to the play-off spots.
With Jhon Solis on international duty, Paik's return is well-timed. Davies has lately used a combination of Solis and Tomoki Iwata, and Max Bird is also nearing a return. Birmingham's following match is away at West Brom.
Further reading: bbc.co.uk
