Osaka: Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has confirmed Group G leaders Shanghai SPIG from China will be without striker Asamoah Gyan for Wednesday’s visit to Japan’s Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League.
Gyan (pictured) suffered a thigh injury in a training session while on international duty with Ghana last month and the striker missed Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Chongqing Lifan in the Chinese Super League.
That left Shanghai without a win at the start of the new domestic season, although Eriksson’s side have been more successful in the AFC Champions League having recorded back-to-back wins over Korea Repubic’s Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Japan’s Gamba last month to open up a one point cushion over Australia’s Melbourne Victory at the top of the table at the halfway stage.
“Asamoah, all his life, has been a player for big games. He always scores in big games, and tomorrow is a big game. So, of course, it’s a pity that he cannot play, but we are not going to do anything different. We will keep our style of play, and we are replacing him with another player and I am sure the player who comes in will do a very good job,” said Eriksson.
“We are looking forward to tomorrow’s game, knowing that is a difficult task, because Gamba Osaka is a really good football team and they play football. So, it will be very tough, but we are going to do everything to take points.
“If you look at all the results, it’s very, very tight. Lots of draws between the teams, and I don’t think any team won or lost by more than one goal. So, anyone can win the group and anyone can be in second, third or fourth. So, it’s very open and every point you take for your next three games are very important.”
Former winners Gamba have yet to record a win in the AFC Champions League this year after last month’s 2-1 defeat by Shanghai in China followed draws against both Melbourne and Suwon to leave Kenta Hasegawa’s side three points behind the second placed A-League side.
And Gamba welcome Shanghai to Suita City Football Stadium having suffered a third consecutive defeat in all competitions after losing 2-1 at home to Yokohama F. Marinos in the J.League on Saturday.
“If we don’t win tomorrow, we’ll be in a difficult situation depending on the results of the other game. Shanghai is a very wonderful team, but this is our home. We’d like to show our abilities to win the game tomorrow by any means,” said Gamba coach Hasegawa.
“Our condition is not bad. We played a very good game, but couldn’t get a win early in the season. We want to cut such a flow with our own abilities tomorrow.
“We should defend as a unit with our structure, and also play with good concentration throughout the 90 minutes as we were beaten by a set play last time.”
Photo: AFP
Source: the-afc.com