Three players, Yi Jianlian, Guo Ailun and Wang Zhelin, withdrew from the Chinese men's national basketball team training camp for health reasons, the team announced on Wednesday night.

Yi suffered an Achilles tendon rupture during the Chinese Basketball Association Finals last August and underwent three surgeries to fix it. Though he has been doing well with rehabilitation and was recruited for the training camp, he admitted that his long training absence is too much to make up in such a short time.

"We don't have any warm-up game or early-phase preparations before heading overseas to attend competitions," said Yi. "I'm not ready to do that. It's a pity (that I have to quit). But whether I go with the team or not, I will always be a member of the team. I hope my teammates do well this time."

Guo said he felt depressed after realizing his plantar fasciitis (jogger's heel) would keep him from going full speed in training and scrimmages. As a result, Guo had to quit the camp as well. "I want to thank the coaches and the basketball association for giving me so many opportunities to play for the national team. Though I won't be able to be with my teammates this time, my heart will always be with the team, so will my support," said Guo.

Wang was hit in the waist in practice, which led to the return of an old injury. As a result, he had to withdraw from the camp as well. "It's such a pity. I will focus on my recovery and cheer for my teammates," said Wang.

The absence of the three will be a big hit to the Chinese national team. Yi is their best player; Guo is an important slasher from outside; Wang is the team's big hammer from inside. Coach Du Feng will have to scratch his brains to figure out how to fill the void.

China will play against Japan and Chinese Taipei twice in four FIBA Asian Cup qualification games between June 16 and 20 in the Philippines before flying to Canada to compete with Canada and Greece for a Tokyo Olympic berth.