Lee to miss new league season

Bolton’s Lee Chung-Yong will miss the new season after breaking his leg in Saturday’s friendly against Newport County.

The 23-year-old midfielder underwent an operation on Saturday night after he sustained a double fracture of his right lower leg just a fortnight before the new English Premier League season kicks off.

The South Korea international was treated by paramedics and required oxygen following a challenge in the 25th minute from Newport midfielder Tom Miller, who was substituted immediately after the incident.

The midfielder has been an influential figure for Owen Coyle’s side since his move from FC Seoul in 2009 and made 31 league appearances for Bolton last term, scoring three goals and providing six assists.

Lee also won Bolton’s Player of the Year award in his first season with Wanderers.

Bolton manager Owen Coyle said the operation was a success and added the club would aim to aid his recovery as best as they possibly could.

“We will make sure Chung-Yong gets all the support he needs, as now it is all about his recovery and well-being. That is the most important thing,” Coyle told the club’s website.

“The operation went well and we would like to pass on our thanks to the medical staff involved.”

The injury also rules Lee out of Korea’s third round 2014 World Cup qualifying games with Saturday’s draw grouping the nation against Kuwait, UAE and Lebanon.