'Korean Football Ace' Lee Kang-in Excluded from Atletico Madrid's Squad for Man Utd Friendly Amid Military Service Concerns

South Korean football star Lee Kang-in will not be joining Atletico Madrid for their upcoming pre-season friendly against Manchester United in Stockholm. The club announced its squad for the July 31st match, and Lee's name was notably absent, sparking speculation about his immediate future.

Reports suggest that the reason for his exclusion is related to his mandatory military service obligations. All able-bodied South Korean men are required to complete military service, typically for around 18 months, though exceptions can be made for certain athletes who achieve specific international accolades. The exact nature of the issue remains unclear, but it appears to be preventing his participation in the friendly.

Instead of traveling with his Atletico Madrid teammates, Lee Kang-in is expected to remain in South Korea. This development comes as a disappointment to fans who were eager to see the young talent compete against a high-profile opponent like Manchester United. The club's official announcement included other prominent players such as goalkeeper Jan Oblak and forward Adama Lallana, further highlighting Lee's absence.