Playmaker Chanathip to miss match
Thailand will be without midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin when the War Elephants meet Myanmar in a friendly in Mandalay tonight.
The match at Mandalay Mantala Thiri Stadium kicks off at 7pm (Thai time) and will be shown live on Thai Rath TV (32).
Chanathip is unable to play tonight due to illness, Ukrit Chaweewannakorn, Thailand’s team doctor, said yesterday.
The doctor said the playmaker had a fever and a sore throat.
“After taking medicine, his condition did not improve so he will not be able to play against Myanmar,” Ukrit said.
Chanathip, who is playing for Japanese club Consadole Sapporo, said he had a fever because of the hot weather in Myanmar.
“The weather in Japan at the moment is quite cold and the weather in Myanmar is hot,” said Chanathip, who was scheduled to return to Bangkok last night.
He is expected to be fit in time for Thailand’s friendly with Kenya in Bangkok on Sunday.
Thailand coach Milovan Rajevac told yesterday’s press conference that this was a good warm-up match.
“Myanmar and Thailand are good neighbours and I hope this will be an interesting game,” said the Serb.
Rajevac said he would give newcomers playing chances.
“It will be a good chance for newcomers to show their ability. If they play well, it will be good for themselves and the team as we will have more options in the future.
“I am trying to build a strong Thailand team. This will be a good opportunity for me and the players to know one another better. I hope we can get an impressive result.”
He said Thai-Swiss star Charyl Chappuis was likely to play in Chanathip’s position.
Chappuis said: “I am ready for the game. If I get a chance to play, I will try to help the team win.”
Thailand goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan has returned to the national side after a two-month injury lay-off.
“I am ready to play and feel happy to be part of the team again,” said the Muang Thong United star.
“This is an important game and we will try to do our best. We want to win although it will not be easy because Myanmar often play well at home.”
Thailand have had creditable results since Rajevac took charge of the War Elephants in May.
The Thais will end their 2017 campaign on Sunday when they play Kenya in a friendly at SCG Stadium.