As the March international break approaches, China’s rivals in the 18-strong competition, Australia and Indonesia, face different challenges. Australia has been plagued by injuries, while Indonesia has welcomed three new naturalised players into the squad.
Australia: Defensive line injuries continue
Australia have suffered serious injury problems in the build-up to the Last 18, with the defence in particular being the hardest hit. Italian Serie A side Parma’s central defender Tshikati will need at least four months to recover from a torn cruciate knee ligament, while Premier League side Leicester City’s main central defender Soutta is out for the rest of the year with a ruptured Achilles tendon. In addition, there are several international recent injuries, including left-back Bosse, central defender Burgess, Matthews and midfielder McGlyn, etc., whose injury and return time is unknown.
Australian coach Gregg Popovic was concerned about the injury problems in the middle and back, but the good news is that the 1.90m-tall South Sudanese center Yanki has returned from injury. Yankey scored twice for Australia in November and his return will provide some firepower in attack.
To fill the gap in defence, Australia could call on Greek central defender Gigianis, fresh from winning the Under-20 Asian Cup, as well as Australian Super League players such as Caceres, Velupillai and Brattan.
Indonesia team: welcome the naturalization of the new aid, but the striker is in worry
Compared with Australia, the Indonesian team has good news in terms of personnel. Goalkeeper Odeiro, left-back Dean James and midfielder Pelupesi have been naturalised and will be sworn in on March 10 in Rome, Italy. The Indonesian Football Federation has until March 13 to apply to FIFA for transfer of citizenship to ensure that the three players are fit for the 18th round in March.
However, the Indonesian team has also faced suspension and poor form of its strikers. Despite winning three points at home against Saudi Arabia in November last year, central defender Habna, main striker Olamengun and midfielder Yanna will be suspended for the first visit to Australia in March after accumulating yellow cards or receiving second yellow cards. In addition, there are several players with yellow cards, if the Australian team plays the game, they will be suspended for the key home game against Bahrain later.
The new manager of the Indonesian team, Kruiwitt, has expressed concern about the suspension and form of his strikers, while main striker STRC, left-back Patinama, and back Zhou Ya ‘an and Ferdinand, among others, have barely played time for their clubs and are in doubt.
Bahrain team: lineup fine-tuning, yellow card problems need to be vigilant
Bahrain also named a 25-man squad, with a handful of substitutes missing from the squad that won the Gulf Cup in January, but the main squad made little difference. However, Bahrain are also facing a yellow card problem, with several key players carrying yellow cards against Japan and will be suspended for the more important visit to Indonesia. However, the return of the main center back Hayyam’s suspension is good news for the Bahrain team.
Conclusion
China’s opponents in the top 18 all face different challenges and opportunities. Australia will have to overcome a wave of injuries, while Indonesia will need to get their naturalised players back in place and tackle a suspension in the front line. Bahrain will need to be wary of the yellow card problem and maintain the stability of the main squad. For the national football team, this will be a rare opportunity, but it also needs the whole team to unite and play at the best level.
