Birmingham City midfielder Paik Seung-ho has been sent home early from South Korea's international window after the Korea Football Association determined he needs rest rather than match minutes.

The 29-year-old sat out as an unused substitute in South Korea's 3-0 home win over Ecuador on Thursday 25 September, then missed the 4-1 defeat against Uruguay on Monday. He will now skip the remaining two fixtures in the window: Friday's friendly against Venezuela and Tuesday's match against Uzbekistan.

A statement attributed to the Korea Football Association by local media confirmed the decision: "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."

A consistent presence for Blues this season

Paik has started every match of Birmingham's Championship campaign in some capacity, appearing in all ten fixtures so far. He has made four starts in the league alongside four substitute appearances, and also started both of the club's League Cup ties.

His most memorable contribution came on 12 September when he headed a second-half winner at Derby County, turning a deficit into a 2-1 victory. That result illustrated why his availability matters: Paik provides technical quality and intelligence in central midfield, and his knack for arriving late into the box adds a dimension Birmingham's opponents must account for.

The nature and severity of the injury have not been disclosed publicly. The Korea Football Association's statement focused on player welfare rather than specifying the problem, which suggests it is being managed with a degree of caution rather than treated as a serious long-term concern.

West Brom test looms on the horizon

The timing of his return will be closely watched by supporters. Birmingham's next Championship fixture is the short trip to West Brom on Saturday, 11 October (12:30 BST), a local rivalry that carries significant weight in the second tier.

Whether Paik is fit enough to be considered for that match depends on how quickly he recovers during the break. The international window does at least allow him several days without a competitive fixture, which could work in his favour if the injury is minor. Blues will hope the enforced rest proves sufficient, rather than the precursor to a longer absence.

Birmingham currently carry the draw problem that has been well documented this season, having shared the spoils five times in eight league games. With the likes of the West Brom fixture demanding a positive result, having a fully fit Paik available gives the squad more options in the engine room.

The club have not yet released an injury update of their own, and the full picture of his condition is likely to emerge only when the squad reconvenes ahead of the West Brom match.

Frequently asked

Is Paik Seung-ho injured for Birmingham City?
Paik Seung-ho has been released early from South Korea's international squad due to injury. The exact nature of the problem has not been disclosed, but he was ruled out of the country's remaining fixtures in the current window and will return to Birmingham City.
When is Birmingham City's next Championship game?
Birmingham City's next Championship fixture is away at West Brom on Saturday, 11 October, with a 12:30 BST kick-off.
How many times has Paik Seung-ho played for Birmingham this season?
Paik has featured in all ten of Birmingham's matches this season, making four Championship starts, four substitute appearances, and starting both League Cup ties.