Lee 'Faker' Sang-hyeok has been synonymous with T1 throughout their illustrious history in League of Legends. His absence due to wrist pain has shed light on just how crucial he is to the team. After experiencing discomfort that affected his gameplay, Faker was placed on the bench. While he did play some solo queue games after weeks of rest, he mostly engaged in ARAM and the new Arena mode.
Interim head coach Im 'Tom' Jae-hyeon has shed light on Faker's recovery during a press conference following T1's tough loss to KT Rolster, the current powerhouse of the LCK. Tom explained that Faker's wrist condition required more time to heal than initially anticipated, making his return to the stage a careful process.
Despite his reduced playtime and the extended break he needed, Tom expressed confidence that Faker would return to the roster before the playoffs kick off. He even hinted at a potential return as early as next week, for the remaining regular season matches.
Faker's dedication to the team is evident, as he has been personally visiting LoL Park, where LCK matches take place, to reassure fans that he hasn't given up on his career. Whenever T1 competes and he doesn't have medical commitments, Faker is there in-person to support his team in any way he can.
Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether Faker's return will immediately reverse T1's downward spiral. With his recent limited play and ongoing health concerns, it's unclear how his comeback will impact the team's performance. Moreover, the sudden resignation of Bengi earlier this month adds another layer of complexity to the team's situation.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on T1 to see if they can reverse their fortunes and secure a spot at Worlds 2023. Faker's return brings a glimmer of hope for the team's redemption, but only time will tell if it will be enough to steer T1 back on track.
