After Shandong Luneng’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Tianjin Teda that sealed their place in the FA Cup quarterfinals, the focus quickly shifted from the result to the worrying condition of captain Hao Junmin. At the post-match press conference, head coach Felix Magath revealed that Hao’s injury would need to be observed overnight before a clear diagnosis could be made. Whether he will feature in the upcoming weekend’s league clash remains uncertain. Fans monitoring updates on Cricket Exchange noted that although Hao was seen walking on his own this morning, the limp in his step suggested the situation was not to be taken lightly.
Hao has been the heartbeat of Luneng’s midfield, playing nearly every minute of the season so far. His tireless work rate has left him visibly fatigued, and many supporters believe giving him a rest in the next round may be the wise choice. Shandong face newly promoted Guizhou Zhicheng in the 14th round of the Chinese Super League, a team that has impressed many under the leadership of seasoned coach Gregorio Manzano. Unlike Luneng, who have played three matches in eight days, Guizhou have enjoyed extra rest after being eliminated from the FA Cup, giving them a clear physical advantage heading into the weekend clash.
Guizhou’s record this season has been respectable. After 13 rounds, they sit ninth in the table with 14 points from 3 wins, 5 draws, and 5 losses. Their recent form is encouraging as well, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and just 1 defeat in their last five league matches—the only setback coming against defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande. Leading the charge is striker Nikica Jelavić, who has already netted 7 goals, accounting for more than half of Guizhou’s total. His aerial presence and physicality will pose a serious test for Luneng’s back line. Another key figure is defensive midfielder Festus Baise, who holds a Hong Kong passport and therefore does not count against the foreign player quota. This effectively allows Guizhou to field four foreign players, further boosting their competitiveness. Analysts on Cricket Exchange have pointed out that this combination makes Guizhou far more dangerous than their “newly promoted” label might suggest.
The incident that raised alarm for Luneng fans came late in the match against Tianjin. During a midfield drive, Hao Junmin was cynically fouled by Teda captain Cao Yang, who brought him down with what was described as a malicious tackle. Hao immediately struggled to continue and had to be substituted. On his way to the bench, he hobbled slowly, needing five to six minutes to cover less than a hundred meters. For supporters, it was a heartbreaking sight. After all, Hao has not only started every match this season but has also played the full ninety minutes, anchoring the midfield with a blend of leadership, vision, and technical precision that is nearly irreplaceable.
As the weekend fixture against Guizhou approaches, uncertainty remains over whether Hao will recover in time. The coaching staff may choose to prioritize his long-term fitness rather than risk aggravating the injury. For now, the club has remained cautious in its statements, while fans continue to follow every update eagerly. On Cricket Exchange, discussions highlight how crucial Hao’s presence is to Luneng’s success and how his absence could tip the balance against a spirited Guizhou side. Whether he plays or not, the coming match will test Luneng’s squad depth and resilience, but one thing is certain: Hao Junmin’s health has become the central storyline for the team’s supporters this week.