(VOVWORLD) - Thailand’s coach Akira Nishino on Monday called up True Bangkok United striker Chananan Pombupha to replace Chanathip Songkrasin on the national team, but said it will be "very difficult" for anyone to fill in for the injured star playmaker.
The War Elephants are scheduled play a warm-up game with Congo on Thursday at BG Prathum Stadium before taking on the UAE in their third 2022 World Cup Asian zone qualifier five days later at Thammasat Stadium.
Chanathip sustained muscular sprains prior to a J-League match last Friday and was advised by doctors to take a two-week rest.
Chanathip was on the 23-man squad for Thailand's first two qualifying games against Vietnam and Indonesia but will miss the UAE game.
"It's very difficult to replace a player like Chanathip and we will miss him for sure in the match against the UAE," admitted Nishino.
"We have many attacking players on the team, like Teerasil Dangda, Supachok Sarachat and Ekanit Panya who can undertake different roles."
Supachok missed Thailand's first training session because of an injury, but confirmed that he will stay with the team.
"I am not 100 percent yet but my injury is getting better. I am hoping to resume full training within a few days," he said.
Meanwhile, the last of the team’s players arrived at training camp yesterday: Theerathon , Kawin Thamsatchanan, Phitiwat Sukjitthummakul, Ekanit Panya, Siwakorn Tiatrakul and Chananan.