Two-time Asian Cup finalist China will take on Team Melli at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup quarter-final.
Xiaoting is under the weather after catching a cold and fever over the past few days, the Chinese media reported.
“As for the next game, there might be some unexpected changes because it is a game in the knockout stage. We will fight hard for sure and leave everything on the field. Iran is strong, but we will fight tough with them. Everyone in our team is full of confidence,” Xiaoting said.
The “Red Dragons” are also grappling with injuries with striker Wu Lei and defender Zhang Linpeng battling for fitness.
Midfielder Yu Hanchao and striker Wei Shihao are also recuperating from injuries.
Nonetheless, the mood seems to be upbeat in the Chinese camp as all the players have vowed to try their best to fight the hard battle against Iran.