Defender Kim Tae-hyun ruled out of group stage with ankle injury

Kim Tae-hyun, the left-footed center back in Hong Myung-bo's South Korea squad, injured his ankle during training Wednesday, casting serious doubt over his availability for the group stage.

A team official confirmed Thursday that Kim had fallen during a rondo passing drill. "He may find it difficult to play in the group stage," the official said.

Kim, 25, of Kashima Antlers did not take part in the squad's final training session Thursday at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico — the team's base camp — the day before South Korea's opener against the Czech Republic. Rather than joining his teammates on the pitch, he trained separately indoors.

With the group stage now imminent, the coaching staff is closely monitoring Kim's ankle.

No replacement call-up is expected, however. "We have plenty of center backs — Lee Gi-hyeok from Gangwon Province and Cho Wi-je from Jeonbuk, among others. There is no need to bring in a replacement," the official said, adding that Kim would focus on rehabilitation exercises and is expected to be available from the round of 32.

With Kim sidelined, Lee Gi-hyeok — a surprise addition to the squad who, like Kim, is left-footed — now appears likely to make his World Cup debut.

Right-footed Cho Wi-je had initially joined the squad as a training partner but was formally added to the roster after Jo Yu-min of Sharjah FC was ruled out through injury.

The squad now has two players on the injury list, with Kim joining Bae Jun-ho of Stoke City.

Bae had been sidelined after suffering an ankle injury from a rough tackle during a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago at a pre-tournament camp in Salt Lake City, Utah, on May 31, and was again seen cycling on a stationary bike on the sidelines Thursday. A team official said Bae's ankle sprain is healing well and that he is expected to be fit for the second group-stage match.