China has included three naturalized players in the national squad for the first time as coach Li Tie has gathered the side in Shanghai for training on Monday. 

Brazilian-born Ai Kesen (Elkeson) and Luo Guofu (Aloisio), and former Arsenal player Li Ke (Nico Yennaris), who was born in England, joined the camp as China begins preparations for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers postponed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Ai Kesen was the first player of non-Chinese heritage to be called up when he played last year. Li Ke, who played for England's youth teams, has a Chinese mother and accepted citizenship last year. 

"China's national team opens its door to all who want to serve the country, regardless of domestic or naturalized players. Foreign-born players are facing tremendous competition here because there are at least three players at close level for one position. We will see who is in better condition," said coach Li Tie at the training camp.  

Another Brazilian-born player, Alan Carvalho, was also in the coach's plans but the 30-year-old forward is waiting for travel restrictions to be eased before he can leave Brazil and return to China. 

Former Everton midfielder Li replaced Marcello Lippi as head coach earlier this year when the Italian quit following a surprise loss to Syria in a World Cup qualifying match in November. 

The national team is set to play two friendly matches against Chinese Super League (CSL) teams Shanghai Shenhua and Shanghai SIPG on May 21 and May 26 respectively.

The CSL, which was scheduled to start on February 22, was pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic and there is no accurate timetable for the league to kick off yet.

(With input from Reuters)