Ekanit Panya, the midfielder from Urawa Red Diamonds, won’t be part of the Thailand national team in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 final round in Qatar.
His absence is attributed to his desire to participate in pre-season training with Urawa Red Diamonds, a J.League club in Japan, ahead of the 2024 season. This decision follows a coaching change at the club, with Per-Mathias Høgmo, a Norwegian coach, taking the helm.
In response to Ekanit’s absence, Masatada Ishii, the head coach of the Thailand national team, has chosen Picha Uthra, a midfielder from Muangthong United, as his replacement. Picha Uthra is expected to join the national team’s training camp, commencing tomorrow.
This scenario highlights the balancing act that players often face between national team duties and club commitments, particularly during critical periods such as pre-season preparations.
Credit Photo : FA Thailand
