China have announced the squad for the upcoming AFC U23 Championship, which is scheduled to take place in Bangkok, Buriram and Songkhla from January 8 to January 26 next year. 

Beijing Guoan youngster Zhang Yuning, who is set to be the tip of the spear leading China's attack, is obviously the pick of the bunch. The 22-year-old is in fine form during a glittering year as he has been directly involved in 13 goals in his 19 Chinese Super League starts this season (eight goals, five assists).

Zhang came off during China's friendly against Shijiazhuang Ever Bright last week with an injured ankle. Head coach Hao Wei has decided to retained him and given him a few days to recover from a groin injury in time for the championship. 

A fit Zhang would greatly enhance the chances of China, who have been put into a tough group alongside defending champions Uzbekistan, South Korea and Iran. 

The top three teams from the tournament will earn berths at the Olympic Games' football competition in Tokyo.

The 25-man squad for the AFC U-23 Championship in full 

Goalkeepers: Chen Wei, Li Guanxi, Zhang Yan 

Defenders: Tong Lei, Wei Zhen, Zhu Chenjie, Zhao Jianfei, Feng Boxuan, Yang Shuai, Jiang Shenglong, Dilmurat Mawlanyaz 

Midfielders: Huang Zhengyu, Huang Cong, Duan Liuyu, Hu Jinghang, Chen Bingbing, Zhou Junchen, Huang Zichang,  Zhang Linfeng, Chen Pu, Deng Yubiao 

Forwards: Yang Liyu, Zhang Yuning, Tian Xin, Liu Ruofan