China loses stars in squad for USA friendly tour

China will be without regular captain Zheng Zhi and other top players from China Super League clubs Shandong Luneng and Shanghai Shenhua in its 23-man squad facing the USA in a friendly on 2 June and then Major League Soccer clubs Los Angeles Galaxy on 5 June and Colorado Rapids five days later, Chinese Football Association spokesman Dong Hua told Reuters. Shandong and Shanghai will play the champions of Japan and South Korea in the East Asian Champions Cup from 7-13 June, ruling out Zheng, who recently returned to Shandong after a loan spell at English Premier League club Charlton. China coach Zhu Guanghu, who faced renewed calls for his dismissal after China were beaten by Thailand earlier this month, will be using the trip as part of his preparations for July's Asian Cup finals.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Zong Lei (Changchun), Yang Jun (Tianjin) Defenders: Xu Yunlong, Zhang Shuai (both Beijing), Zhang Baofeng (Changchun), Chen Dong, Zhai Yanpeng, Zhang Yaokun, Ji Mingyi (all Dalian), Xin Feng (Shenzhen), Sun Xiang (unattached); Midfielders: Wang Dong, Du Zhenyu (both Changchun), Zhao Xuri (Dalian), Cao Yang, Hao Junmin (both Tianjin), Zheng Bin (Wuhan), Shao Jiayi (Energie Cottbus), Li Tie (unattached); Strikers: Du Wenhui (Beijing), Wang Peng (Dalian), Qu Bo (Qingdao), Dong Fangzhuo (Manchester United)