The Thai Premier League resumes today after a three-week break with high-flying Chonburi heading into a tough fixture against Bangkok Glass while missing a number of key players.
Thiago Cunha, right, will lead Chonburi’s attack against Bangkok Glass.
The league activities had been halted to allow the Thai national team prepare for their World Cup qualifying battle against Iraq in which the Kingdom pulled off a sensational 2-2 tie on Tuesday at Rajamangala National Stadium.
Chonburi will be missing Suittinun Phukhom and Anderson dos Santos for the big match against the Glass Rabbits at home.
Chonburi media director Jeerasak Chomthong said yesterday that some of their key players were either on the injury list or suspended.
He said: “Suttinun has been sidelined after suffering a knee injury during the match with Iraq on Tuesday and will be out for a few weeks but his healing process could take even longer.
“Nurul Sriyankem and Warut Supphaso are also injured and Anderson dos Santos will be sitting out to serve his ban.
“Although we have several injured and suspended players, we still hope to collect three points from this match as we are playing at home. We want to get close to the top three teams to keep our title chase alive.”
The Sharks’ attack will be led by Brazilian Leandro Assumpcao and Brazilian-born Timor Leste forward Thiago Cunha.
Bangkok Glass assistant coach Apisit Im-umpai said his team had their share of injury woes with players like Supachai Komsilp, Chartree Chimtalay, Suwannapat Kingkaew and Ong-arj Pamornprasert all unlikely to be available for today’s match.
“We also need to run a fitness check on defender Matt Smith,” said Apisit. “We hope to steal at least a point from Chonburi.”
Tomorrow’s matches will see title contenders Bangkok United and Muang Thong United clash with each other.
Bangkok United assistant coach Watsapol Kaewpaluek said: “Our team is ready for the match. The players are looking forward to it and are confident.
“We will be playing at home and we are confident to win the match although we are up against a big team like Muang Thong United.”
Muang Thong manager Kan Jantarat said: “Our team is in good form but we do have a number of injured players like Piyapol Panichakul, Arthit Daosawang and Kasitdech Wetchayawong.
“Other players are all raring to go. Bangkok United are confident of beating us, but then we are also eyeing three points from the game at SCG Stadium.”