Sarawut replaced by Jakkraphan
Buriram United midfielder Jakkraphan Kaewprom has replaced Sarawut Masuk in Thailand’s training squad for two upcoming matches.
Bangkok Glass star Sarawut has been forced to pull out of the 35-man squad due to injury.
“I am very happy to receive a callup to the national team,” Jakkraphan said yesterday.
“I am now fit and injury-free. I scored in my latest game in Thai League 1 and that has boosted my confidence.”
Thailand, under new coach Milovan Rajevac, will play a friendly at Uzbekistan on June 6 and face the United Arab Emirates in a World Cup qualifier in Bangkok on June 13.
A total of 24 players are training at Kiarti Thanee Country Club while Muang Thong and Chiang Rai United stars will join them after their Thai League 1 match tomorrow.
Rajevac will trim the squad to 23 players on Saturday before they fly to Tashkent.
The Serb said yesterday he was worried about Muang Thong players’ physical conditions as they have played several matches in a row — and have suffered six consecutive defeats.
Muang Thong lost 4-1 at Kawasaki Frontale in the last-16 second leg of the AFC Champions League and were eliminated with a 7-2 aggregate defeat.
“I watched them play [on TV]. They were exhausted and need a rest,’’ Rajevac said.
“I will have to see them in person when they train with the team before making a decision [on whether to take them to Uzbekistan].”
Rajevac has called up four uncapped defenders as he wants to strengthen the team’s defence.
“With four new defenders, you should know what tactics I am going to use,” he said.
Rajevac, who began his stint in Thailand last month, said he knew that expectations were high and promised the team would have good results in his first two games as coach of the War Elephants.
“I am sure that we will get satisfying results,” he said.
“You need time to build a team and you will see changes.”