CHUNG-YONG Lee faces a scan this weekend to assess the true extent of a fractured leg sustained on international duty at the Asia Cup with South Korea.

Initial reports suggest the midfielder will miss just three weeks of football after suffering a hairline fracture in his right tibia in Korea’s opening group game against Oman.

After playing down the significance of the injury at first, the Korean FA were forced to release a statement yesterday when Chung-Yong was not involved in the squad for the 1-0 victory over Kuwait.

“Yes, he has a fracture in his right leg,” a spokesman for the KFA said. "But it's not serious, it's a hairline fracture.”

Chung-Yong left the team camp and returned to Seoul for tests to see if he could feature in the latter stages of the tournament – but The Bolton News understands he will take no further part in the Asia Cup and will fly to England by the end of the week for further examination.

Wanderers want to leave nothing to chance and are anxious to bring him back into the camp for medical checks as quickly as possible.

The injury was sustained after a heavy challenge from Omani defender Abdul Al-Mukhaini but after initially returning to the pitch unaided, Chung-Yong eventually left on a stretcher.

Sensitivity over the injury is understandable given it is the same leg which was badly broken in a pre-season friendly against Newport County in July 2011.

It also casts serious doubt over his chances of leaving Wanderers in the current transfer window.

Neil Lennon conceded last week he may be forced to sell the 26-year-old this month rather than lose him for nothing when his contract expires in the summer.

Crystal Palace were one of the clubs said to be interested, although Lennon admitted he would rather keep hold of Chung-Yong for the rest of the season and attempt to convince him to sign a new deal at the Macron Stadium.

The Northern Irishman might now have got his wish with little prospect of a club gambling on the Korean’s fitness in the remaining fortnight before deadline day.

Lennon will be on hand to answer questions from supporters at the Platinum Suite tomorrow night on behalf of the Bolton Wanderers Supporters Association.

Doors will open for the ticket-only event at 7.30pm. Applications can be made through mybwsa.co.uk.