Asian Champions League Starts Next Week, Shanghai Port Lose Another Player

With the Asian Games football tournament set to begin soon, Shanghai Port youngster Li Xinxiang has made the final selection for the U23 national team. The Chinese Football Association announced on the 9th that due to Chongqing midfielder Li Zhenquan's unexpected injury, head coach Antonio urgently called up Li Xinxiang and Zhang Zhixiong to join the squad.

On September 7, the Asian Games men's football team officially gathered in Dalian. With limited time and a demanding schedule, Antonio immediately arranged joint training sessions. However, on the third day of training, Li Zhenquan suffered an unexpected injury, with a serious injury to his left ankle. His club Chongqing later confirmed that he would miss all remaining training sessions and matches this year.

As an important midfield option for the Asian Games team, Li Zhenquan's absence has had a significant impact on the squad. To reduce the negative effects of losing players immediately after gathering, the association urgently called up Shanghai Port forward Li Xinxiang and Chongqing Tongliang Long midfielder Zhang Zhixiong. However, according to the official Asian Games participation rules, Zhang Zhixiong was not eligible to compete because he had not completed the required anti-doping registration and testing procedures in advance. He can only take part in team training and cannot play in Asian Games matches. Li Xinxiang, having completed the relevant testing, is eligible to compete.

The 20-year-old Li Xinxiang has continued to perform well this season, making 23 Chinese Super League appearances for Shanghai Port, including 14 starts, with 1,121 minutes played and contributions of five goals and two assists. He is the second-highest scorer within the Shanghai Port squad, behind only foreign striker Leonardo. Among all U23 players in the Chinese Super League, he is also the top domestic scorer. A versatile attacking player with such strong scoring ability can certainly earn a place in the U23 national team. However, due to this call-up, Li Xinxiang will be unable to play in Shanghai Port's away opening-round Asian Champions League match against Ratchaburi.

According to tournament rules, participating teams still have the authority to modify their squad lists up to 24 hours before the opening match, meaning the Asian Games team still has room for adjustments. However, most available replacement spots have already been used, and if more injuries occur, the team may face a situation where no replacement options are available.

According to the schedule, the Asian Games men's football team will play its first match of the Nagoya Asian Games on the evening of September 16 against North Korea. The U23 national team cannot underestimate this mysterious force in Asian football.

Written by: Guan Yin, reporter

Photo: Li Mingshen