Monaco striker Park Chu-young injured his knee whilst celebrating his goal in the 2-1 win over Sochaux on Tuesday. As a result the 25 year-old will now play no part for South Korea in next month's Asian Cup in Qatar.

"Park told me in the examination that he heard a sound from his knee while kneeling as his team-mates were climbing on top of him," South Korea's national team doctor Song Joon-sub said in the Korea Times.

"On Christmas eve, Park was examined and I confirmed the injured part of his knee. There are many ways to heal but Park needs a break for at least more than four weeks."

South Korea coach Cho Kwang-rae admits Park's absence is a major setback for the Taeguk Warriors.

"We prepared the offense and put Park in the centre (of it). Yet, we will overcome this crisis rather than worry," he said.

The Korea Football Association have called up Jeju United defender Hong Jung-ho as his replacement.