Manchester City will not have to face Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung-yeung on Sunday after the Swans captain was called back to South Korea on military service.
According to Wales Online, the national team skipper has to return to East Asia as he serves his time with the country’s armed forces.
Military service is mandatory in South Korea, and despite working halfway across the world—and his status as arguably the nation’s most famous active sportsman—Ki has not been exempted from playing his part.
The former Sunderland loanee—who moved to Swansea in 2012 after three successful years with Celtic—delivered an outstanding performance in the Swans’ unexpected victory away at West Ham United and appeared to be ending the season in top form.
Therefore, the 27-year-old’s absence represents a key boost for the Citizens in Manuel Pellegrini’s last match in charge of the club.
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The Sky Blues head into the match in fourth place, and will guarantee a spot in next year’s Champions League with a win.