Wigan Athletic midfielder Cho Won-Hee will miss the remainder of the English Premier League season after injuring calf muscles while on international duty with South Korea last week.
Cho was kicked in the leg during his country’s friendly against Iraq in Seoul on March 28 and aggravated the injury in the World Cup qualifying derby win over North Korea four days later.
Wigan physio Dave Galley said on Monday: “We scanned the injury as soon as Won-Hee returned to us last week, and we can confirm he has a grade three tear of two of his calf muscles.”
The injury now means Cho, who signed for Wigan as a free agent last month after letting his contract with Suwon Blue Wings expire, is unlikely to make his Latics debut this season.
Calf problems such as his usually take six to eight weeks to heal and there are only seven weeks left in the English season.
“This is very frustrating for me,” said Cho. “I was so desperate to show the manager and the fans what I can do. But I will now have to work my hardest to get fit.”
Wigan boss Steve Bruce, whose team are eighth in the table, added: “It’s unfortunate for the lad because he was so willing and has shown a terrific attitude.
“But our team are working on him and we will do everything we can to get him back as soon as we can.”
