As Robert Moreno prepares to unveil the roster for the national soccer team’s second squad, overseas players are experiencing mixed fortunes. Cho Kyu-sung (Midtjylland) found the back of the net after a three-game drought, while Hwang Hee-chan (Schalke 04) made a strong impression by going the full 90 in his first start since transferring. However, the absence of key defender Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) due to injury has raised concerns.
Moreno is set to announce the team roster on October 29 at the Cheonan Football Center for the upcoming two-match Middle East tour in November. South Korea will face Saudi Arabia on November 13 and Qatar on November 17 in Doha.
Ahead of the roster reveal, Cho Kyu-sung has provided the most encouraging news.
On October 25, Cho started in the 12th round of the 2026-27 Danish Superliga against Lyngby BK, rifling home a powerful left-footed shot in the 27th minute.
Cho’s goal, his first in three games, helped Midtjylland secure a 3-2 victory. The win extended the team’s unbeaten streak to 12 matches (8W, 4D) and marked their third consecutive league triumph.
Cho’s return to form is welcome news for Coach Moreno.
Despite being called up for Moreno’s first squad during the four-match international window in September and October, Cho had to withdraw early due to injury without playing a single minute. His last appearance for the national team remains the group stage match against South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
If Cho can translate his club form to the national team, his aerial prowess and strong hold-up play could add a new dimension to Moreno’s attacking arsenal.
Hwang Hee-chan has also bolstered his club standing, raising hopes for a national team comeback.
On October 24, Hwang made his first start for Schalke 04 since transferring from Wolverhampton, playing the full 90 minutes against Cologne in the Bundesliga’s 7th round.
After battling injuries for an extended period, Hwang initially saw limited action as a substitute following his move to Schalke. However, he’s gradually regained fitness and increased his playing time.
While he didn’t register any attacking contributions against Cologne, completing his first full match since the transfer is a positive sign of his improving condition.
Hwang featured in three of the four international matches in September and October but failed to find the net. If he can recapture his trademark aggressive runs and quick penetration, it could provide a significant boost to the national team’s attack.
On the flip side, the injury-related absence of defensive lynchpin Kim Min-jae is cause for concern.
Kim sat out the match against Freiburg on the 26th due to groin and knee issues.
While Bayern Munich described it as a precautionary measure, his absence from the final club match before the roster announcement has raised questions about his fitness.
Coach Moreno will need to closely monitor Kim’s recovery progress.
On a brighter note, ace midfielder Lee Kang-in (Atletico Madrid) has returned to action after injury concerns.
Lee missed the match against Stuttgart on October 21 but was back in the lineup against Deportivo on October 25, suggesting no lingering issues with his condition.
Oh Hyun-kyu (Besiktas), who netted his first goal for Moreno’s squad, has shown inconsistent form in recent outings.
Oh put in a stellar performance in the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Europa League match against Hoffenheim on October 16, bagging two goals and an assist.
However, he struggled to make an impact in subsequent matches against Trabzonspor on October 20 and Crystal Palace on October 23, facing tight marking from opponents.
In midfield, Hwang In-beom (Porto) is steadily regaining match fitness through consistent playing time.
Hwang expressed disappointment with his condition during the four-match international window in September and October.
Since returning to his club, he’s gradually improved his fitness and cemented his place in the starting lineup, featuring in both recent Portuguese league matches and UEFA Champions League fixtures.
With overseas players showing varying levels of form and fitness, all eyes are on Coach Moreno’s selections for his second national team roster.
