No place for Chanathip in Asian Cup qualifiers squad
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) yesterday announced its 30-man provisional squad for next month’s Asian Cup qualifying round in Uzbekistan.
Playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin, of Japanese champions Kawasaki Frontale, was left out of the team due to injury.
Midfielder Thanawat Suengchittavorn, of English Premier League club Leicester City, also was not included in the squad.
The War Elephants will play hosts Uzbekistan, Maldives and Sri Lanka in the June 8-14 qualifying round.
The six group winners and five best runnersup reach the 2023 finals.
Thailand coach Mano Polking will trim the team to 23 players after three warm-up games — against Bahrain (two) and Turkmenistan between May 24 and 31.
The 2023 Asian Cup finals were originally scheduled for June and July next year in China.
However, China has withdrawn from organising the tournament due to Covid-19. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is looking for a new host which could be Thailand.
Provisional squad
Kittipong Pootuechuek, Jakkapan Praisuwan, Chaowat Weerachart, Sarach Yooyen, Worachit Kanitsribumphen, Pathompol Charoenrattanapirom, Teerasil Dangda (Pathum United);
Siwarak Tedsungnoen, Theerathon Bunmathan, Sasalak Haiprakhon, Pansa Hemviboon, Supachok Sarachart, Suphanat Mueanta (Buriram United); Kawin Thamsatchanan, Tanaboon Ketsarat, Bordin Phala, Pakorn Prempak, Adisak Kraisorn (Port); Peerapat Notechaiya, Tristan Do, Wisarut Imura, Thitiphan Puangchan (Bangkok United); Weerathep Pomphan, Picha Autra (Muang Thong United); Supanan Burirat, Chayawat Srinawong (Samut Prakan City); Kritsada Kaman (Chonburi); Phitiwat Sookjitthummakul (Chiang Rai United); Ekanit Panya (Chiangmai United); Chalersam Akkee (Police Tero)