Jo Wi-je replaces injured Jo Yu-min in South Korea's World Cup squad

South Korean national football team center back Jo Yu-min has been forced to withdraw from the squad due to an ankle injury sustained during a recent match. The 2022 Qatar World Cup veteran suffered a partial tear of his plantar fascia during the friendly against Trinidad and Tobago in Utah, an injury that will sideline him for an estimated eight weeks.

Replacing Jo Yu-min is Jo Wi-je, a 25-year-old defender who had been part of the team's training camp as a partner. The call-up comes just before the final 26-man roster deadline for the upcoming World Cup. Jo Yu-min's absence reduces the number of players with World Cup experience on the squad to 12.

Jo Wi-je, who debuted professionally in 2022 and recently transferred to K League 1 club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, brings a strong physical presence to the defense. Standing at 1.89 meters (approximately 6 feet 2 inches) and weighing 82 kilograms (approximately 181 pounds), he is noted for his aerial ability, speed, and proficiency in both clearing opponent's attacks and initiating passing plays. He has also demonstrated scoring ability from set pieces, netting two goals for Jeonbuk this season.

Football analyst Kim Dae-gil commented that Jo Wi-je has always been a viable candidate for the national team. While acknowledging that Jo Wi-je may lack extensive experience playing alongside the current national team members, Kim believes his long-standing experience as a central defender will mitigate any issues.

Meanwhile, the team received positive news regarding midfielder Bae Jun-ho, who also appeared to sustain an ankle injury during the match against Trinidad and Tobago. Medical assessments confirmed that Bae is not seriously injured and is fit to continue.

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Jo Wi-je is a player who could be called up to the national team at any time. While he may not have had much time to build chemistry with his teammates on the Hong Myung-bo team, his long experience as a central defender means there shouldn't be major problems.