Oh, Cho. Why’d you have to go (get hurt)?

April 13th, 2009 | by: Laura-Claire | Comments Off

Cho Won-hee, a South Korean midfielder, is sidelined for six to eight weeks after enduring a calf injury, it was announced this past weekend.

Cho’s absence from the rest of the three crucial World Cup Qualifying matches in June deals a round of back luck for the South Korean team, which currently stands atop the leader board in Group B, just one point ahead of North Korea.

Cho, who turns 26 this Friday, played for the Suwon Bluewings up until last month before leaving for Wigan Athletic of the English Premier League.

How much of an impact will his absence make?

Cho’s loss will certainly be noticeable as he’s played more of a role within the South Korean squad in the past couple of years, but on the other hand, he’s not a key player. He was with the team during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but didn’t play a game.

In 2008 and 2009, Cho’s started in three World Cup qualifying matches and was used as a substitute in two other games.

In the five games Cho played in 2008 and 2009, South Korea went undefeated.