Defender Vladimir Radkevich, who returned from Russian outfit Ural, joined the crocked list along side his defence partners Azamat Juramuradov and Islom Tuhtahujaev.

Besides this, the availability of strikers Sherzod Hakimov and Sardor Mirzayev is also in doubt due to injuries.

“I think the most important thing for us would be the players’ fitness. We need a strongly motivated and fit lot for these crucial games,” Sarkisyan (pictured) told www.the-afc.com.

“I have no option but to include only those players in the starting line-up who will work during the training sessions,” said Sarkisyan, who has been at the helm of the Fergana side since 1987, which makes him one of the longest serving coaches with the same club around the world.

“South China is a very good and well-balanced team. I know that they had a training camp in England and also played English Premiership side Tottenham Hotspur but I haven’t seen their videos yet.”

The Uzbeks will host South China on September 15 before travelling to Hong Kong for the return leg on September 30.