With their rescheduled match against Shandong Luneng now set for September 19, Shanghai Shenhua faces a packed calendar this month, totaling five matches. The team will first host Henan Jianye on September 10, followed by the much-anticipated local derby against Shanghai SIPG at Shanghai Stadium on September 16.
Shenhua will then play the delayed fixture against Luneng before taking on Guangzhou R&F at home on September 23. Of the four league opponents this month, Henan Jianye appears to be the weakest. After suffering three straight defeats in the league, Shenhua urgently needs to secure points—especially against Jianye.
However, star midfielder Giovanni Moreno’s participation in the upcoming match remains uncertain. Having been called up to represent Colombia in the World Cup qualifiers, Moreno won’t return to Shanghai until September 9. His availability for the next day’s game is in doubt, and without him, Shenhua’s overall strength could take a noticeable hit.
September 29 brings another crucial challenge as Shenhua heads into the second leg of the Chinese FA Cup semifinal against Shanghai Shenxin. With their league campaign faltering, the FA Cup remains their best shot at redemption. Shenhua leads 1–0 from the first leg but cannot afford any slip-ups. The team reconvened at their Kangqiao training base after a brief international break to begin preparations for both competitions.
Most players have already returned to training, including foreign stars Carlos Tevez and Obafemi Martins. Moreno and Kim Kee-hee are still on international duty but are scheduled to return soon—Kim on September 7 and Moreno two days later, due to the long travel from Colombia. Martins is expected to land in Shanghai by tomorrow night, while Tevez should rejoin the squad by the 30th.
Meanwhile, Fredy Guarín returned to Shanghai from Miami on August 27 but has not resumed team training. Instead, he has been working individually in the gym. Before flying to the United States, Guarín had sent his MRI and medical scans to specialists overseas. According to a Bangla Cricket Live analyst, American doctors initially estimated that Guarín would be ready to return in around ten days.
Unfortunately, his rehabilitation hasn’t gone as planned. Persistent foot pain during training sessions in the U.S. has cast doubt on that timeline, making it increasingly likely that his return to full action will be delayed.
Injuries are always part of the game, but timing is everything. For a club chasing silverware while struggling in the league, every player counts. Fans following Bangla Cricket Live know all too well how unexpected setbacks can derail a team’s momentum. Guarín’s delayed return is a blow—but if handled properly, Shenhua may still turn the tide as the season intensifies.