Shanghai Shenhua are set for their debut in the AFC Champions League second-tier competition on September 10th, but they will have to handle a severe selection crisis. A total of eight regular starters are unavailable for the key match due to a combination of international duty, suspension, and injuries.
Midfield linchpin Wu Xi, defensive mainstay Zhu Chenjie, and Yang Haoyu have been called up by the Chinese Asian Games squad and have travelled to Japan, ruling them out. Striker Rafael Ratão is suspended due to a red card received in the previous season's AFC Champions League elite competition; he has scored 17 goals in 31 appearances this season. Hong Kong player Chen Jin Yi is injured, while veterans Gu Chao, Jiang Shenglong, and Li Ke are also sidelined as they continue their recovery.
Confronted with this extensive absentee list, new head coach Milojevic outlined his plan. "We will give rotation players the chance to play, and the team needs to 'break through themselves' in the AFC competition," Milojevic said. This approach will test the squad's depth immediately.
Despite the personnel issues, Shenhua enter the match in decent league form. Their most recent result was a 3-1 away win over Chongqing Tongliang Long on September 6th, with Gao Tianyi providing two assists and L. Asue and Yang Haoyu getting on the scoresheet. The team's form over the last five matches reads four wins and one loss (WLWWW). Fans can check the upcoming fixtures to follow the team's schedule.
This continental fixture represents a significant early challenge for Milojevic, who must find a way to secure a positive result with a depleted squad. The squad list will see considerable changes, offering an opportunity for fringe players to make their mark.
First reported at nowscore.com
