Southeast Asia Thailand

Chanathip Songkrasin doubtful for AFC Champions League tie

Things go from bad to worse for Muangthong United as playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin missed yesterday’s training.

The Thai powerhouse faces the daunting task of overturning a 3-1 first-leg deficit into a victory over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in their AFC Champions League last-16 clash on Tuesday.

The Kirins go into the away match on the back of five straight losses, three of them coming against newly promoted sides in Thai League 1.

“Chanathip has a slight injury on his hip and is being treated by the team doctor. We still don’t know if he will be available for tomorrow’s match. His absence will surely affect our team,” team director Ronnarit Suewaja told The Bangkok Post.

Muang Thong coach Totchtawan Sripan said: “We have to admit that Kawasaki Frontale are a good team. They have many good players.

“In our home game, we played well for one hour but then our players ran out of steam and made mistakes.

“We are here now and we are hoping to put on a better show. Let us see. Anything can happen in football.”