In a wide-ranging interview with the-AFC.com, the globetrotting German boss discussed his return to football, his inside knowledge of Group B opponents Australia and the steely resolve of his playing group.

Stange has seen it all - and had seemingly seen enough when he decided to call time on his decorated career in July 2016 - but the veteran tactician simply couldn't shake his love affair with the game, coming out of retirement to lead Syria's campaign at UAE 2019.

The Australian midfielder, who has been in fine form this season, suffered a tear to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee in the defeat at Arsenal last weekend.

This led to Huddersfield announcing on Wednesday he will be sidelined until February in a blow to the Socceroos who defend their AFC Asian Cup title in the United Arab Emirates in January.

Arnold said Mooy was such a significant player that he wanted a second opinion, with their own physiotherapist travelling to Huddersfield to review the situation.

Ould Ali, now eight months into his tenure as head coach, will guide Palestine in their second appearance in the competition following their 2015 debut on the continental stage in Australia.

Speaking to the-AFC.com, the Algerian tactician revealed the desire of his players to provide happiness for Palestinians around the world with their performances in the United Arab Emirates.

Moriyasu selected several players with only a handful of caps to their names for Asia's showcase football tournament in the United Arab Emirates starting in January.

The new silverware, which was unveiled during the glittering AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Final Draw at the Burj Khalifa in May this year, began its epic journey in China PR, finding its way to Korea Republic’s capital, Seoul, before landing in Doha, Qatar last week.

In keeping with the tournament’s ever-growing prestige and stature, the AFC decided to commission a new trophy for the first time since the inaugural edition in 1956. Produced by a world-renowned silversmith in London, the new trophy is revolutionary in design and communicates the powerful spirit of football’s second oldest continental competition.

As the Continent’s most-anticipated showpiece draws closer, the three debutants are leaving nothing to chance in their quests to confirm their deserving place amongst Asia’s elite.

Philippines extended their outstanding form beyond their Qualifiers, impressing with a six-match unbeaten run since March, which included commendable draws against Bahrain, Oman and Thailand before their narrow defeat to Vietnam in the AFF Cup semi-finals last week.

22 of the 24 participating nations will likely have a birthday boy amongst their ranks, with 2007 winners Iraq heading the list given they could potentially have seven players set to blow out the candles should they progress to at least the quarter-finals.