South Korea goalkeeper Lee to miss Asian Cup qualifier

South Korea goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae has been ruled out of next month's Asian Cup qualifier against Chinese Taipei after picking up a back injury.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper, a key figure for his country at the last two World Cups, is expected to be sidelined by the injury for three weeks. As a result of the ailment, he was left out of the preliminary 36-player squad announced by national coach Pim Verbeek last week.

Verbeek, who was recently appointed by the Korea Football Association to replace Dutch compatriot Dick Advocaat, has stuck to his promise of bringing young players into the national team with 28 of those called up aged 25 years or younger.

All but three of the squad members are based either in the domestic K-League or Japan's J. League.

The squad will begin training for the qualifier against Chinese Taipei on August 6. Verbeek is expected to cut the squad to 28 players before the team travels to Taipei for the match on August 16.

Source: Xinhua