Park will miss Olympics

South Korea have conceded Park Ji-sung will miss the Olympic Football Tournament.

The 27-year-old was in contention to be named as one of three eligible players aged over 23 for the competition, but is struggling with a knee injury which forced him to miss last Saturday’s 3-1 World Cup Qualifying win in Turkmenistan.

The midfielder recovered from an operation on the same knee at the end of 2007 to help Manchester United to a UEFA Champions League and Premier League double and ensure South Korea’s progression to the next round of the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

Park was named in the preliminary 40-man squad for the competition which begins on August 6, two days prior to the opening ceremony, but will now not be considered as Korea are not willing to risk his fitness.

“Unfortunately, Park will not be selected for the Olympics,” coach Park Sung-hwa said.

“After discussing the matter with the Korean Football Association, we made the decision considering the fact that Park isn’t fit and he will be in competition at his club.

“Manchester United’s pre-season training starts on July 7 and it would be difficult for the player to come back and combine well with the team.”

Coach Park dismissed suggestions West Bromwich Albion midfielder Kim Do-heon, who scored a hat-trick for the senior team in Turkmenistan, could be drafted in as a replacement.

“Kim is in a similar position,” added Park. “He will be playing in the Premier League for the first time with his club.”