T1 have to say goodbye to their League of Legends mid laner. It was not long ago that Faker revealed he's been injured, but it's gotten to the point where he is not able to perform anymore on stage and will be taking a break.
T1's dreams of making playoffs and the 2023 League of Legends World Championship could blow up right in front of them as the team struggles without their in-game leader and veteran Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok.
Ahead of their game against DRX on July 5, 2023, it was revealed that the mid lane superstar would not be starting, instead he would be replaced by the T1 Challengers mid laner, 17-year-old Yoon "Poby" Sung-won.
LoL: Faker To Sit Out Part Of The Main Split
.@Faker on stream with Becker to explain his current situation and rehabilitation, he was light-hearted at times:
— Ashley Kang (@AshleyKang) July 5, 2023
"Do you want to know the positive side of me not using my right arm at all? I have perfected the skill of brushing my teeth with my left arm.
Eating with left arm... pic.twitter.com/jodp6G289K
After their win over the weekend against NongShim, mid laner Faker revealed that he'd been playing with an arm injury for the last three weeks. The pain must have gotten too unbearable, meaning that the veteran, in his tenth season of professional play, will sit out some weeks.
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It was stated by the official T1 Twitter ahead of the team's game against DRX on July 5, 2023 that he will be replaced by the T1 Academy mid laner Poby.
T1 kept the same roster from 2022 to try and win Worlds together this year. The team has not managed to win a final since the 2022 LCK Spring Split, and even lost to BiliBili Gaming in the Mid-Season Invitational semi-final, which already had some fans concerned.
Now, with the announcement of their mid laner's break due to injury, fans are getting even more worried for the future of this roster.
Poby Called Up From Academy T1 Roster
— T1 LoL (@T1LoL) July 5, 2023
During the first LCK match for the young 17-year-old, Poby played Jayce and Annie. While T1 did get completely crushed by DRX, it was not due to the young mid laner. It seemed like all of T1 were not on the same page and completely out of sync.
This change in personnel has affected the team's synergy, it seems. With a few more days of practice under their belt, we're going to see how the team will fare against the top team in the LCK, with T1 playing against Gen.G on Saturday, July 8.
No Return Date For Faker Yet
Faker is going to sit out for some time, according to the official announcement from T1 on their Twitter.
Recently 'Faker' showed symptoms of pain in his right arm and hand. He underwent a thorough examination at a hospital when his condition did not improve. [...] And after discussions with the coaches, players and team – the decision was made for him to take a break to focus on his treatment and recovery.
Get well soon Faker! We hope our contribution with the Faker Razer DeathAdder will help pay your hospital bills!
Fans are going to have to be patient with the return of Faker. It is unknown whether Poby is going to be the new starting mid laner for T1 though. There have been rumors that support Ryu "Keria" Min-seok might play mid lane in coming matches.
When T1 faces off against Gen.G we're going to see what the coaching staff and players of T1 decide. T1 cannot afford another performance like the one against DRX.
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