China defender Ming Tian has been ruled out of playing the crucial World Cup qualifier against Syria after he sustained a serious ankle injury in China’s 5-0 win over the Maldives on Friday.

CT and MRI examinations showed that Ming suffered a bone fracture and ligament tear on his right ankle, according to a statement issued by the Chinese side on Saturday.

Team doctors will have a consultation with experts to decide on further treatment.

Ming, who started at the Maldives’ game, had his right ankle twisted in the 10th minute when he was tackled from behind by Mohamed Hamzath. He was then stretchered off.

China is to face Syria next Tuesday in their final group match in the preliminary round 2 of the Asian Zone qualifiers.

China, currently sitting second with 16 points in Group A, five points behind Syria who has already qualified for the final round, has the chance of making the grade as one of the four best second-placed teams from eight groups.