Thailand lacks many key players, does not call Chanathip, Theerathon to participate in AFF Cup 2024

The list of 26 Thai players selected by coach Masatada Ishii for the 2024 AFF Cup does not include Chanathip Songkrasin and Theerathon Bunmathan. In addition, other familiar names such as strikers Teerasil Dangda and Supachai Jaided, midfielder Sarach Yooyen, center-back Elias Dolah, and defender Sasalak Haiprakhon… are also absent.

The AFF Cup does not coincide with FIFA's international match calendar, so clubs are not obligated to release players to the national team. The Thai national league (Thai League T1) does not take a break during the AFF Cup. Therefore, top Thai football stars must prioritize serving their clubs.

Chanathip Songkrasin will not participate in the 2024 AFF Cup.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) can only call up players that the clubs allow. Even so, this is still a strong squad for the Thai national team. Coach Masatada Ishii had prepared for this situation.

The Japanese coach has built a new core for the Thai national team with young players such as Suphanat Muaenta, Supachok Sarachat, Jonathan Khemdee, William Weidersjo, Patrik Gustavsson... from recent friendly matches. In the match against Laos, some new players were also given a chance.

In September 2024, with a similar force, Thailand defeated the Vietnamese team with a score of 2-1 at My Dinh Stadium ( Hanoi ).

At the 2024 AFF Cup, coach Masatada Ishii's team will face Timor Leste, Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia in the group stage. Thailand will play away against Timor Leste in their opening match on December 8th. This match will take place at Hang Day Stadium.

Thailand is the most successful team in AFF Cup history with 7 titles. They have also won 4 of the last 5 AFF Cups.

Minh Chau

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/thailand-lack-of-strength-core-and-no-goi-chanathip-theerathon-du-aff-cup-2024-ar909787.html