Cai Huikang (R) of China's Shanghai SIPG FC vies with Leandro Damiao Santosof Japan's Kawasaki Frontale during the Group H match between China's Shanghai SIPG FC and Japan's Kawasaki Frontale at the 2019 AFC Champions League in Kawasaki, Japan, May 7, 2019. (Xinhua/Du Xiaoyi)
Shanghai SIPG midfielder Cai Huikang has been called up for training here on Sunday, according to the Chinese men's national team.
SHANGHAI, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai SIPG midfielder Cai Huikang has been called up for training here on Sunday, according to the Chinese men's national team.
The team plans to train in Shanghai from May 10 to May 27. Cai is the third Shanghai SIPG member to participate in the training, joining goalkeeper Yan Junling and defender Wang Shenchao.
Cai also took part in the training camp of the national team in Guangzhou in January, but was not included on the list for the Dubai training camp in March.
The 31-year-old veteran was the first choice midfielder when the national team was coached by Alain Perrin and played a major role in the AFC Asian Cup. However, he retired from the national team in early 2017.
After Li Tie replaced Italian Marcello Lippi as head coach, Cai got the chance to return to the national team again, coming off the bench in the final round of the East Asian Cup last December.
In 2019, Cai contributed two goals and one assist during his 26 appearances in the Chinese Super League (CSL). ■