Tue Nov 19 12:00:00 UTC 2024: ## China’s Football Team Faces Japan in Crucial World Cup Qualifier Amidst Injury Crisis
**Beijing, November 18** – China’s national football team faces a crucial World Cup qualifier against Japan on November 19th, but a growing injury crisis threatens to derail their chances. The match, the sixth in Group C of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, will see coach Aleksandar Ivković field a potentially depleted squad.
Left-back Li Lei is ruled out after an injury against Bahrain, while the participation of striker Zhang Yuning remains uncertain. Further compounding the problem are injuries to Wang Shangyuan and newly injured Xu Haoyang, who suffered a head injury against Bahrain. Coach Ivković has indicated that he may call up reinforcements depending on the severity of the injuries.
Despite the adversity, Ivković is expected to employ a highly defensive strategy against Japan’s technically superior team. Goalkeeper Wang Dalei is expected to start, while Hu Hetao and Yang Zexiang are likely to feature on the flanks after strong performances against Bahrain. The fitness of Jiang Guangtai remains a question mark, with the possibility of him remaining on the bench.
Assuming fitness, Lin Liangming, Wei Shihao, and Li Yuanyi are expected to start in attack. The midfield will likely see Xie Wenhao return from suspension, partnering with Wang Shangyuan if he recovers. If Zhang Yuning is unavailable, Baihe Ramu will likely start, with Wang Ziming potentially coming on as a substitute. The adaptable Lin Liangming can play on both flanks, providing tactical flexibility alongside Xie Wenhao.
The match promises a tense encounter, with China needing to overcome significant injury concerns to challenge the strong Japanese side.
First Piper 