China captain Li might miss Asian Cup final

China captain Li Weifeng

China captain Li Weifeng could miss Saturday's Asian Cup final against Japan after picking up a rib injury.

The former Everton defender aggravated the injury in China's dramatic semi-final win over Iran on Tuesday, when the hosts were taken to penalties by the three-time champions.

Hosts China have never won the Asian Cup and their hopes of beating Japan in a high-profile clash in Beijing would suffer a severe blow if Li Weifeng is sidelined.

Li, who quit Everton in early 2003 following a frustrating spell at the English premier league club, has played a vital role in China's run to their first Asian Cup final since 1984.

Li has been a towering presence alongside Zheng Zhi on defence. And the 26-year-old knows the importance of their partnership as China looks to beat bitter rivals Japan for the first time since 1998.

China coach Arie Haan, already missing Everton midfielder Li Tie, has had several injury concerns during the tournament, among them Li Weifeng, playmaker Shao Jiayi and striker Hao Haidong.

Source: China Radio International