Hwang In-beom, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury, has returned to Korea and is focusing on his rehabilitation.

According to sources in the football industry on the 4th, Hwang has left his club Feyenoord and is currently back in Korea, dedicating himself to recovery. With just over a month remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, the club is understood to have supported his decision, allowing him to rehabilitate in a more comfortable environment.

As previously reported, Hwang has been diagnosed with a season-ending injury. On the 3rd, Dutch outlet ‘1908.NL’ stated: “Feyenoord are unlikely to be able to use Hwang In-beom again this season. He picked up an injury after the match against Excelsior and will not be able to feature in the remaining games.” According to the report, Hwang has prematurely concluded his season due to an ankle injury.

Hwang’s injury record has notably worsened since his move to Feyenoord. From the 2019–20 season to the 2023–24 campaign, he suffered six injuries in total, but since joining Feyenoord in the 2024–25 season, he has already recorded six injuries again. This season alone, he went down twice with calf issues and has now sustained a third injury with ligament damage in his ankle, meaning he will miss a combined total of 25 matches for both club and country.

Hwang’s injury also comes as a blow to the Korea Republic national team, who are looking to build cohesion ahead of the World Cup. He established himself as a key figure under former head coach Paulo Bento and played a central role in midfield during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, helping Korea reach the round of 16. Under current boss Hong Myung-bo, he remains a pivotal midfielder and, at 29 years old, is expected to be one of the team’s core players at the upcoming tournament.

However, due to injury, Hwang has missed three of the last four international breaks, including those in September and November last year, as well as March this year. He is widely regarded as one of the most irreplaceable players in the squad, particularly in Hong’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system, where his mobility and technical ability are crucial. As a result, the coaching staff have been unable to fully assess the team with Hwang included during key preparatory periods, which is a notable concern.

Determined not to miss the World Cup, Hwang has returned to Korea with a singular focus on recovery. With his participation in the remainder of Feyenoord’s season no longer possible, the emphasis is on regaining full fitness in time for the tournament rather than rushing a premature return. The club has also taken into account his strong desire to play at the World Cup and has supported his rehabilitation in Korea.

Hong Myung-bo’s side will announce the squad for the World Cup on the 16th before departing for a pre-tournament training camp in the United States on the 18th. Korea’s opening group-stage match will take place against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, Mexico, on the 12th (Korean time).