The 29-year-old started in all three of Singapore’s matches during the group stage but he has now travelled to his native Shanghai to deal with an undisclosed personal issue which could also cause him to miss the return match in Singapore next Wednesday.
It is the second time that a family matter has affected Shi’s participation in the AFF Suzuki Cup as he missed the tournament two years ago after he returned to Shanghai to be with his gravely ill grandfather, who later passed away.
Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic will miss the versatility of Shi, who usually starts on the right of midfield but filled in as a makeshift defender in the matches against Indonesia and Laos.
The Lions are already missing midfielder Hariss Harun, who is out for the tournament after suffering a fractured shin bone, while forward Fazrul Nawaz has been in light training since taking a knock in the match against Laos.
However, there is some good news on the injury front for the Lions with left-back Shaiful Esah back to fitness after he recovered from a sprained ankle that forced him out of the Indonesia match and kept him on the bench for almost the whole of the first half against Laos.
The Singapore squad are scheduled to leave for the Philippines on Thursday for their match against the Azkals, which will kick off at the Rizal Memorial Stadium at 8.00pm local time on Saturday.
Taken from AFFSUZUKICUP.COM
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