Experienced wing back Theerathon Bunmathan is all set to take the field in Thailand's third 2022 World Cup qualifying match against the UAE tomorrow, provided he can avoid another pre-game mishap.
Shirakit Yohe, a Japanese member of the Thai team staff, confirmed on Sunday: "If there is no problem, Theerathon will be ready to play in the game with UAE on Tuesday."
Shortly before the start of Thailand's friendly with Congo, which ended in a 1-1 draw in Pathum Thani, Theerathon injured himself while warming up for the Thursday night's game.
He was left out of the match and coach Akira Nishino was forced to make a last-minute change to the squad.
"Theerathon injured himself in a meaningless activity while preparing for the match," Nishino lamented after the friendly.
Theerathon and three other keys members of the Thai national team -- Supachok Sarachat, Pansa Hemviboon and Narubadin Weerawatnodom -- returned to full training on Saturday for Thailand's third Asian Zone Group G battle at Thammasat Stadium.
Yohe added: "Theerathon was looked after well. I believe he is ready to play in the game against the UAE, and he could be a big help to the national team."
However, the War Elephants will be without crafty playmaker Chanathip Songkrasin in tomorrow's match and it could have a major bearing on their performance against the UAE.
"It is always difficult to replace a player of Chanathip's calibre. We are looking at different options to minimise the impact of his absence," Nishino said earlier.
Teenage Suphanat Mueanta is also nursing an injury.
The UAE have won both of their Group G games so far and are riding a wave of confidence after their 5-0 thrashing of Indonesia on Thursday, which followed their triumph at Malaysia last month.
The UAE are group leaders with six points from two games, ahead of Thailand and Vietnam who have four.
The Middle Eastern giants, the seeded side in the Asean-heavy Group G, are looking forward to continue their perfect run at Thammasat Stadium.