Thailand may rest some key players who are nursing slight injuries including midfielders, Adul Lasoh, Charyl Chappuis and Chanathip Songkrasin, assistant coach Choketawee Promrat said yesterday.
“We do not want them to risk getting seriously injured just days before the Suzuki Cup,’’ said Choketawee.
Chanathip said his injury was not serious and that he should be fit to meet hosts Singapore in their Suzuki Cup opening match on Sunday.
Thailand manager Kasem Jariyawatwong said New Zealand’s defence is a weakness, pointing to the fact they failed to keep a clean sheet in their previous three warm-up games.
Japan beat New Zealand 4-2, while Uzbekistan beat them 3-1. They drew 1-1 against China.
“They have a physical advantage and we have to avoid getting injured,’’ he said.
New Zealand coach Anthony Hudson insisted he will be taking the match seriously and will select a strong line-up.
“We want to win and will field our best squad,’’ he said.
The All Whites side is expected to feature forwards Chris Wood, of English Premier League side Leicester, and Kayne Vincent, who joined Thai Premier League champions Buriram United recently.
At the Suzuki Cup, Thailand are in Group A along with Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar.
The top two teams of each of the two groups will advance to the semi-finals. Bangkok Post