DOUGIE Freedman is having to restrict Chung-Yong Lee’s appearances for Wanderers because the winger is still feeling the after-effects of his horrific double leg break.

The Whites boss disclosed the full facts of the Korean’s battle for fitness after the 0-0 draw against his former club Crystal Palace, nearly eight months after he was brought back into the first team fold by Owen Coyle.

Chung-Yong spent nearly a year on the sidelines after sustaining a terrible injury in a pre-season friendly against Newport County, but has started 16 games in league and cup this term, with another eight appearances from the bench.

But Freedman says the 24-year-old is still some way from being able to cope fully with the demands of Championship football.

“Chungy still feels his leg from time to time and I think he’s still got a few screws in there,” said the manager. “He can’t really keep going game after game after game.

“This is a secret I will share with the fans – and I hope this goes out there – that’s the reason he doesn’t play every week.

“We all know Chungy is a fantastic player and I’d love to play him every week, I’d love to see him on the training ground every day.

“But two games in a week just does not suit him right now because of these screws. It’s something we’ll just have to manage for now and that’s why he was rested on Tuesday night.”

Freedman resisted the chance to name Stuart Holden in his squad for Crystal Palace – possibly with the weather conditions in mind.

It is understood, however, that the American will be considered for this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Everton.

Marvin Sordell, whose two goals had helped set up the fourth round clash is another player who Freedman is reluctant to pitch in for two games in a week.

The young striker sat as an unused substitute at Selhurst Park, but the Wanderers boss is still encouraged by the progress he is making on the training ground.

“Marvin is still working his way back and we’ll have to be patient,” he said.

“If you want the honest truth – can Marvin play two games in a week? No.

“Marvin is not conditioned and hasn’t played two games in a week for a long time.

“I felt he could possibly have come on for us but the way the game panned out, it wasn’t to be. But Marvin Sordell is certainly getting there.”