S-Pulse sorry for Ljungberg no-show
J-League side Shimizu S-Pulse apologised for the absence of their injured midfield player Freddie Ljungberg from the Asian Challenge Cup in which they will take on hosts South China on the opening day at Hong Kong Stadium tomorrow.
The former Arsenal star was included in the squad list announced by the organisers last week, but it was later revealed that Ljungberg would not make the trip because of an injury.
'We had promised he would come, but unfortunately he could not because he is receiving treatment in Sweden,' club official Hara Yasushi said. 'We understand his absence has let the fans down, but there is little we can do.
'Ljungberg injured his right thigh during an Emperor's Cup match in December and was sent back home immediately for treatment. We want to apologise to the fans who were expecting to see Ljungberg in action.'
S-Pulse are still a classy side with the inclusion of former Japan internationals Shinji Ono and Naohiro Takahara, according to South China forward Chan Siu-ki.
'They are speedy and mobile and it will be difficult to beat them,' said Chan, who led hosts Hong Kong to victory against Japan in the East Asian Games (EAG) final two years ago. 'The EAG result has no bearing on this tournament as we are talking about two different events.
'Our defence must hold firm and we must use set pieces to beat them. After all, it is the [Lunar] New Year and we want a victory to celebrate.'
South China coach Jan Kocian said he might not field new Brazilian signing Dhiego Martins as the striker was still carrying a light injury. However, another new signing, attacking midfielder Joao Ferreira, also from Brazil, has the chance to prove himself after showing tremendous form in a reserve team match.
Former Serbian international Mateja Kezman, who is returning to South China and will end his professional career at the end of this tournament on Thursday, is also likely to start up front.
In tomorrow's other match, South Korean side Seongnam Ilhwa will take on Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F as part of their preparations for their Asian Champions League (ACL) campaign.
'We will meet another Chinese side, Tianjin, in the ACL in March and [tomorrow's] match will be good practice,' coach Shin Tae-yong said.
The winners of the two matches will go to the final on Thursday, while the losers play off for third place.
