Captain Wu Lei has been left out of the China squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bahrain with a knee injury.
Wu Lei (1st L) of China celebrates after scoring the first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying football match between Singapore and China at the National Stadium in Singapore, March 21, 2024. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua)
Wu left China's training camp in Dubai after he was confirmed unfit for Thursday's match by medical staff.
"Wu Lei's departure is definitely a regret for us," said China midfielder Wang Shangyuan. "He has scored so many goals for the national team and his club. He is the captain of the national team, and has brought a positive influence both on and off the pitch."
China will conclude its training camp on Tuesday before heading to Bahrain. After four matches, China sits bottom of Group C with three points, while Bahrain has five points and sits fourth in the six-team group.