Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Beijing: Beijing Guoan coach Gregorio Manzano is sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Hou Sen, defenders Xu Yunlong and Lei Tenglong as well as midfielder Ha Dae-sung for Wednesday’s meeting with Korea Republic’s Suwon Bluewings in the AFC Champions League.
Custodian Sou and defender Xu featured last week as Chinese qualifiers Beijing began their campaign with a last-gasp 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar after Shao Jiayi netted a stoppage time free-kick against the A-League champions.
The pair have now joined Lei as well as Korean midfielder Ha as injury doubts while Swedish forward Erton Fejzullahu is certain to be ruled out through suspension after being sent-off against Brisbane, although goalkeeper Yang Zhi is close to a recall following a recent injury.
“This is our second opponent from the group, and it will be a very important match. We will try to win again,” said Beijing coach Manzano.
“We have some injuries after last round. Ha Dae-sung, Xu Yunlong and Lei Tenglong are all having difficulties. I can’t say if they will play, I have to see how they are doing in the last training session. So is the goalkeeper Hou Sen.
“But, I can tell you that Yang Zhi is recovering very well. Now he is fit to play. But I can't guarantee anything until the last training session.
“Suwon are a good team, that is why they are here in the ACL. They had a good season last year, their skills are impressive and I think they are one of the favorites to qualify.”
Suwon, though, have not such problems to report with coach Seo Jung-won set to field a full strength side as the K-League Classic side look to build on last week’s 2-1 win at home to Japan’s Urawa Reds.
“Beijing have always been a strong team. They won their game with one player less in the last round,” said Suwon coach Seo, with his side set to begin the new domestic campaign at the weekend.
“We've researched their match videos and found out that their right side attacking is efficient. Both Dejan (Damjanovic) and Ha Dae-sung are outstanding players. It is going to be a tough match. Beijing's football style is similar to German football, and they are physically strong too.
“My team is in a positive spirit after the win in the first round. If we are able to show all we can, we will have the chance to win.
“It is in our favour that both Ha Dae-sung and Erton Fejzullahu are absent tomorrow, but Beijing has good substitutes, so we can't underestimate them.
“We will use our strongest line-up. Later when the K-League kicks off, we will start using players in turn. Now my players are all very fit.”
Photo: WSG