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China struggling with injuries ahead of Iraq showdown
China's preparations for their Asian Cup quarter-final against Iraq were thrown into disarray with striker Li Yi likely to miss the match after picking up an injury. It is a major headache for Dutch coach Arie Haan ahead of Friday's clash in Beijing as he is already without first choice marksman Hao Haidong, who is also struggling with an injury.
Li, 25, hurt his left foot in a crunching tackle during China's 1-0 victory over Qatar on Sunday in their Group A match.
"I stayed in my room the whole of Monday," the Shenzhen forward told Xinhua news agency. "I cannot move. I feel very sad.
"You know Hao is unlikely to play the next match. I just hope the foot can get better before the next match."
Hao hobbled off clutching his left ankle during China's 5-0 thrashing of Indonesia last week after being subjected to a brutal challenge near half-time.
China team press officer Dong Hua said Saturday the 34-year-old could be out for the remainder of the competition, although the Dalian Shide star said he hoped to be back.
"It's getting better and better," he said after resuming training on Tuesday.
Hao jogged about 10 laps on the training ground and was upbeat, but admitted he is not likely to last 90 minutes anytime soon.
"I hope to play another match in the tournament," said China's most consistent goalscorer in recent months.
"It -- the injury -- does not hurt. I hope to play a few minutes."
In their absence Haan could be forced to use Li Jinyu or Zhang Suo as his main strikeforce against a feisty Iraq who sent three-time champions Saudi Arabia packing with a 2-1 win in their Group C match Monday.
The injury crisis though could be a blessing for Manchester City's Sun Jihai, who has been relegated to the bench during all three of China's group phase matches.
While playing a defensive role for City manager Kevin Keegan in the Premier League, Haan brought him on as a striker late in the match against Qatar.
He came close to scoring, smashing a header against the crossbar but said he wasn't entirely comfortable in his new role.
"It's a good chance, but I don't feel good to play upfront," he said. "It's a sudden decision by the coach. But I will be happy to try this position." |
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