Star striker Wang Shuang to miss China's Olympic qualifiers due to injury

XIAMEN, China -- China's women's football team confirmed on Monday that its star forward Wang Shuang will miss their upcoming Paris Olympic Asian qualifying matches due to a serious injury.

"Wang has been suffering a severe Plantar fasciitis and other injuries recently. Therefore she can't compete for the national team," read an official statement.

"The team will face the challenges bravely, and we wish Wang a speedy recovery."

The Chinese team is set to play against DPR Korea, Thailand and South Korea on October 26, 29 and November 1 in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian province. The "Steel Roses" must win the group to ensure a spot in the final stage of the qualifying campaign.

China has called up several overseas players including Zhang Linyan of Tottenham Hotspur.

Roster:

Goalkeepers: Zhu Yu, Xu Huan, Pan Hongyan;

Defenders: Wang Shanshan, Yao Wei, Chen Qiaozhu, Dou Jiaxing, Liu Yanqiu, Wang Linlin, Li Mengwen;

Midfielders: Zhang Rui, Yang Lina, Yan Jinjin, Yao Lingwei, Wu Chengshu, Zhang Linyan, Shen Mengyu, Shen Menglu;

Forwards: Wang Yanwen, Lou Jiahui, Tu Linli, Wurigumula.