Du out of Iran Olympic clash

AFC - It was confirmed early in the week that China skipper Du Wei will not be playing against Iran at the intimidating Azadi Stadium during an Asian Football Group A qualifier on April 16 (Friday).

The Shanghai Shenhua defender picked up a foot injury late last week and it has been speculated that Zhang Baofeng will step into the side as direct replacement, the Changchun starlet likely to partner Zhang Yaokun and Hu Zhaojun in defence.

China are currently in second place in Group A, holding four points and just one point ahead of Iran after three rounds of games. Korea Republic are still hot favourites to qualify out of the cluster as the East Asians hold a 100% record, Malaysia with little but pride to play for as they hold that sole point earned against China on March 20.

While clearly concerned with losing arguably his biggest asset, China Olympic coach Shen Xiangfu was, surprisingly, more concerned with losing his attacking touch as opposed to worrying about the much lauded Persian attack.

"Nobody has given up hopes of qualifying for the Olympics. Du will not be playing and I dare say his omission will affect the attack more than defence," said Shen on Chinese daily Football.

"He is the main focal point where most of our attack starts. His long passes and the way he moves into midfield are big features of our play - his heading ability one of our key strengths and something that we would have been able to use against Iran.

"When he first started, he was only able to diffuse the danger but now that he's injected more elements into his game, he has been able to contribute more than most players.

"His competitiveness and mental strength is the most reliable in the squad. Moreover, he has been in good form so do lose him at this point is most certainly regrettable."

China Olympic goalkeeper, the custodian who was at the last World Cup Finals with Du, is however, more upbeat after hearing about Du’s injury.

"Du's absence will definitely affect us," said the Dalian Shide goalkeeper. "His injury will hurt us but I do not think it will be detrimental. I am, like the team, still full of confidence.

"We are obviously nervous but at the same time eager to play Iran. Every big match should hold such emotions and being excited only represents the players' dedication to the match and how serious they are going into the game.

Meanwhile, An's team-mate at club level Zhang Yaokun has been passed fit for the Iranian test after a rude scare during a training exercise. Zhang was stepped on the foot during a friendly game but was later deemed fit to travel to Tehran.