Newcastle midfielder Ki had been representing South Korea at the Asian Cup.
The Shields Gazette have reported that Newcastle United midfielder Ki Sung-yueng will return to St. James’ Park after suffering a hamstring injury while representing his county at the Asian Cup.
Ki, 29, had travelled to the United Arab Emirates late last month to join up with the South Korea squad, who have qualified for the last 16 of the competition after winning their group ahead of China, Kyrgyzstan and the Philippines.
The Newcastle midfielder started South Korea’s opening Group C clash against the Philippines, which they won 1-0 but he was withdrawn before the hour mark with what looked like a hamstring injury.
He has since been missing from the squad for the remaining two group games and ahead of South Korea’s last 16 clash against Bahrain on Tuesday, he has been ruled out from the rest of the competition.
Ki will now return to Tyneside to undergo an assessment before deciding what is the right course of treatment, but his injury leaves Newcastle particularly light in the middle of the park.
Mo Diame is already suffering with a hip injury, while Jonjo Shelvey has a thigh problem. It left Rafa Benitez with no choice but to play youngster Sean Longstaff alongside Isaac Hayden on Saturday, as Newcastle beat Cardiff 3-0.
Ki’s absence will come as a bitter blow, with a few weeks likely spent on the sidelines for the summer signing from Swansea City.
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