East Asia Wrap: Kyoto survive in Japan; New leaders in China PR

Meanwhile, the Chinese Super League has a new leader for the first time since June as defending champions Shandong Taishan ousted Wuhan Three Towns from the top position over the weekend after the long-term occupants fell to their second defeat in four matches.

There were also matches in Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei, so join the-AFC.com as we review all the action from around East Asia.

In the UAE, Sharjah were held by Al Ain as they dropped to fourth in the standings, having started the week's action top on goal difference.

There were also matches in Kuwait, Oman and Palestine so join the-AFC.com as review the past week's domestic action in West Asia.

The Al Wakrah midfielder, a member of the Russia 2018 squad, suffered a groin injury while playing in a friendly against Nicaragua last week.

With the clock ticking towards the showpiece kicking off in Al Khor on Qatar's eastern coast on November 20, the-AFC.com takes a closer look at the teams representing Asia in the tournament – kicking off with Australia in focus.

Standing in their way will be Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon, with the Neymar-led South Americans looking to add the Qatar 2022 title to the one won in Korea/Japan 2002 - the only other previous edition contested in Asia.

Awaiting them in Group F will be Canada, Morocco and Croatia but - at the very least - progress to the Round of 16 should be a mere formality for 2018 semi-finalists.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side will go up against Germany, Spain and Costa Rica as they bid to improve on their Round of 16 showing four years ago.

The Socceroos, however, face a tough challenge in Group D, with defending champions France, Denmark and Tunisia also harbouring hopes of extended runs in Qatar 2022.

With two-time champions Argentina, Mexico and Poland to contend with, Herve Renard's side know they will have to hit the ground running in their bid to advance to the knockout stage.

Team Melli will have to be at their best with England, the United States of America and Wales also looking to advance.