EAFF Championship: Hong Kong dealt injury blow after Japan humiliation with Leung Nok-hang ruled out
- Versatile Zhejiang defender will not join up with Jorn Andersen’s squad because of ankle problem
- Hong Kong face South Korea in Nagoya on Sunday before clash against China next Wednesday
It was hoped the arrival of Zhejiang star Leung might strengthen Jorn Andersen’s defence for the two remaining games against South Korea and China. But the Chinese Super League star’s ankle injury has stopped him from joining the team.
“I have injured my ankle while playing for Zhejiang and the doctors have advised me to rest for at least 10 days,” said Leung, who missed Tuesday’s game as he was also waiting for a visa to enter Japan.
“A medical report has been sent to my club and also the Hong Kong team to explain the situation. Now I have to wait for next year’s Asian Cup before I can don the Hong Kong colours again.”
The 27-year-old has been a regular choice in defence for Hong Kong, playing in both the 2019 EAFF Championship in Busan, South Korea and the 2022 World Cup Asian zone qualifiers.
However, he did not join the team for last month’s Asian Cup qualifiers in India, along with other players who are plying their trade in mainland China, with their clubs reportedly pressuring them into not travelling for the games.
