Bangkok: Thailand head coach Milovan Rajevac has announced his 27-player preliminary squad ahead of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
The list welcomes back well-known players such as goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan, Chanathip Songkrasin and Teerasil Dangda, among others, to the War Elephants outfit.
Four players will not make the journey to the United Arab Emirates in January, as Rajevac has revealed his intentions to name his final 23-player after a friendly match against Thai League 2’s Thai Honda FC on December 26.
“We will have on warm-up game with Thai-Honda on December 26, and I will cut the team down before leaving for the UAE on the 30th.
“I don’t want to have a tough game as I want to test the tactics and all the players. At first, we had approached Nepal, but they are not available at the moment.”
Drawn into Group A with host nation UAE, India and Bahrain, Thailand will play their final friendly match with Group F contenders Oman.
“We will also play a warm-up game with Oman behind closed doors in the UAE. This game will be our chance to test our potential for the Group A clashes with the UAE and Bahrain.”
Thailand squad
Goalkeepers: Kawin Thamsatchanan, Siwarak Tedsungnoen, Chatchai Bootprom, Saranon Anuin
Defenders: Korrakot Wiriya-udomsiri, Pansa Hemviboon, Chalermpong Kerdkaew,Peerapat Notechaiya, Tristan Do, Mika Chunuonsee, Adison Promrak, Theerathon Bunmathan, Shinnaphat Leeaoh, Suphan Thongsong
Midfielders: Sasalak Haiprakhon, Supachok Sarachart, Pokklaw A-nan, Sumanya Purisay, Sanrawat Dechmitr, Tanaboon Kesarat, Thitiphan Puangjan, Chanathip Songkrasin
Forwards: Supachai Chaided, Teerasil Dangda, Adisak Kraisorn, Chananan Pombupha, Sirod Chatthong
Source: the-afc.com