Hong Kong team manager Lam Chik-cheong played down the absence of skipper Poon Chi-ho on the eve of their opening match against Malaysia in the Eastcolight Super Kung Sheung Cup Invitation Championships.
Poon was left out of the 12-member squad with an illness as the hosts prepare for their campaign in group B at Queen Elizabeth Stadium tonight.
"He doesn't feel well and we had to remove him from our final squad list," said Lam. "He is a key player, but we can't do anything because of his condition. This shouldn't affect the team too much as we still have players like Heung Chik-keung and Joe Matthew to fill the gap."
Forward Lau Hoi-to and guard Lee Shu-wing also failed to make the final cut.
"It's up to the coach to pick the team he thinks can do best in this tournament. Lau and Lee can return to the team later as we still have the National Games and the East Asian Games later this year," Lam added.
Poon, who plays for Winling, has been a regular member of the national team since 2001 and is almost certain to return when he is fit.