BEIJING, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Zhu Chenjie will be sidelined for China's upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia and Australia after suffering a facial injury during a Chinese Super League match.

Zhu's club Shanghai Shenhua released a statement on Wednesday stating that the defender will receive treatment for the injury sustained in their 2-1 victory over Changchun Yatai in last Saturday's 2025 season opener.

Shanghai Shenhua confirmed that Zhu is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, ruling him out of China's World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia on March 20 and the following match against Australia five days later.

The injury occurred in the closing moments of the match, when Zhu collided with an opponent while attempting a header.

The club added that Zhu has undergone 3D facial modeling and will continue his rehabilitation while wearing a protective mask. ■