The Chinese Premier League has been rocked by the sudden departure of its leading striker, Li Jianlian, who has sustained a knee ligament injury and will be out for several months.
As the season progressed, Li's absence had a significant impact on the team's performance, with the Blues suffering setback after setback. In their last game against Guangzhou Evergrande, they were held to a goalless draw, which was disappointing given the team's recent form.
Shenhua, on the other hand, suffered setbacks in both domestic and international competitions. They lost 2-1 to Shanghai SIPG in the AFC Champions League final, while they also lost 4-0 to Saudi Arabia at the World Cup Qualifiers.
Despite these setbacks, the team still managed to qualify for the AFC Champions League group stage, where they faced off against Japan's Fukuoka Daikyūsai. However, they were unable to progress past the round of 16 stage, finishing bottom of Group B.
In terms of injury concerns, it is clear that Li's absence will have a significant impact on the team's performance. With injuries likely to continue for some time, it remains to be seen how much further the team can go without Li's leadership.
However, there are some positives to take away from this situation. The Blues have already shown resilience and determination during the pandemic, and their spirit and passion on the pitch will undoubtedly inspire them as they move forward.
Overall, it is clear that Li's injury has affected the Blues' performance and morale, but there are reasons to remain optimistic about their future success. With Li's return, the team may once again find themselves in the top four of the league table, and they could even challenge for titles in the coming seasons.