The Chinese team lost another naturalized striker in the match against Japan

 The Chinese team lost another naturalized striker in the match against Japan

Fernando could not join the Chinese team. This player returned to Brazil because of family matters.

According to Titan, most of the Chinese team members were present in Japan, as of noon on January 24 (Tokyo time). Two naturalized players Luo Guofo and Alan reunited at the latest, after the flight from Brazil.

According to the original plan, 3 naturalized players Luo Guofu, Alan and Fernando, flew from their hometown of Sao Paulo, transited in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and then went to Tokyo, Japan. However, upon arrival in Amsterdam, the flight to Tokyo was cancelled. These three players have to wait for the Chinese Football Association (CFA) to come up with another plan. Meanwhile, Fernando asked to return to Brazil.

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Fernando continues to miss his appointment with the Chinese team. Photo: CFA.

"Fernando was informed about the health problems of family members while in Amsterdam, and asked to return to Brazil. The Chinese coaching staff agreed to let him return," the CFA said.

Fernando naturalized China in 2020. He was called up to the team many times, but did not have the opportunity to play.

Before that, striker Elkeson could not join the army to play against Japan, when he was positive for Covid-19 and stayed in Brazil for treatment. Elkeson started 4 matches in the third qualifying round of the World Cup, the remaining 2 matches came on as a substitute. However, he did not leave a strong mark.

The Chinese team will have its first training session in Japan on the evening of January 24, after all members have tested negative for Covid-19. Striker Wu Lei and defender Jiang Guangtai were present with the team on the evening of January 23, after a flight from Dubai.

The match between Japan and China will take place at 5:00 p.m. on January 27 (Hanoi time). Japan is second in Group B with 12 points, while China is fifth with 5 points. The next match is also the debut of coach Li Xiaopeng to lead the Chinese team.