Statement released involving Birmingham City star Paik Seung-ho | OneFootball

The South Korean midfielder has suffered more injury misfortune on international duty

Birmingham City midfielder, Paik Seung-ho, has suffered more injury misfortune this calendar year, with the South Korean Football Association issuing a statement over his wellbeing.

The Championship season is currently in the middle of a three-week fixture gap after a restructure of the footballing calendar was unanimously approved in 2023.

Birmingham have endured an encouraging, yet mixed start to the second tier term, losing just one of their first eight matches but also drawing the vast majority of their prior fixtures, including their last encounter against Middlesbrough at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park.

Chris Davies' men currently find themselves 10th, two places and as many points behind the final play-off spot ahead of a return to action against local rivals, West Bromwich Albion, on October 10th.

However, it now remains to be seen if Paik, 29, will be involved at The Hawthorns after this fresh concern.

Statement issued as Birmingham City's Paik Seung-ho suffers latest injury blow

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Paik, a product of Barcelona's 'La Masia' academy setup, has spent the past two-and-a-half years at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park, having signed from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors during Tony Mowbray's short-lived stint in charge.

The central midfielder had, until recently, become a mainstay in Birmingham's starting lineup, with his current record at the club reading seven goals and six assists in 124 appearances.

However, last season, the South Korean aggravated a shoulder issue on two counts, but ignored advice over surgery to help the club's failed promotion bid and appear for his country at the FIFA World Cup, during which his three appearances netted the club a six-figure windfall.

Having been in and out of the lineup this term, whilst scoring the winner at Derby County on September 12th, Paik has now sustained an unspecified injury and has now returned to Birmingham.

The South Korean Football Association issued the following statement after the midfielder was an unused substitute against Ecuador, before not making the squad in the 4-1 loss to Uruguay.

"Following a meeting with the coaching staff and medical team, it was determined that Paik Seung-ho needs to recover rather than play in the remaining matches. For the protection of the player, he is scheduled to return to his club team.”

Birmingham City will hope for good news on the injury front after Paik Seung-ho blow

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Whilst Paik hasn't been a standout performer for Birmingham this season, especially after starting the season in a more advanced role due to circumstances, it will still come as a blow to Davies in terms of squad depth if the injury is to be severe.

Jhon Solis is also on international duty with Colombia, but failed to play any minutes in their draw with Mexico, but the Blues boss will be hoping that Max Bird and Taylor Gardner-Hickman's fitness will return to maximum levels in the coming days.

Bird, who signed from Bristol City in August, is yet to start for his new employers after sustaining a lower leg injury ahead of the 2-2 draw against his former club, whilst Gardner-Hickman hasn't featured since the pre-season encounter at Burton Albion, but they are expected to soon be back in training.

Paik Seung-ho's Birmingham City future has been debated

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Paik is currently contracted with Birmingham until June 2028, having signed a contract extension two years ago in the club's League One title-winning season.

However, having found his place in the side under threat for several months now due to tactical and injury-related developments, his long-term future at the club has certainly been a hot topic of discussion.

Football League World's Birmingham City fan pundit, Jason Moore, believes that he and Tomoki Iwata are no longer seen as first-choice options, especially when the aforementioned Bird returns from the sidelines.