11.  The loss of the two experienced defenders leaves Milutinovic with few possible choices ahead of China match in Group C.

12.  With experienced defender Jens Nowotny already ruled out, Leverkusen was dealt another blow when striker Thomas Brdaric failed a fitness test on the morning of the game.

13.  With United now fighting a rearguard action, its experienced central defenders Blanc and Norwegian international Ronny Johnsen were repeatedly called on to intervene.

14.  However, experienced defender Taribo West and goalkeeper Ike Shorunmu will still get a chance to stake their claims for tickets to Asia.

15.  China are without their two most experienced defenders Fan Zhiyi and Sun Jihai who are both injured.

16.  Experienced defender Aizlewood has a calf injury, Goss a back problem while Symons has sciatic nerve troubles.

17.  Experienced defender Mark Aizlewood, one of the leading candidates to take over, said he would be applying for the job.

18.  There are recalls for experienced Liverpool defender Mark Wright while Anfield colleague Jamie Redknapp returns after injury along with David Platt of Arsenal.

19.  Vogts must decide how to cope with the absence of experienced defender Jurgen Kohler, ruled out of the tournament after tearing right knee ligaments against the Czechs.

20.  PSG host Brittany side Guingamp with just one absentee, their experienced central defender Alain Roche, who is recovering from a knee operation.