A summary of PJB's comments on the Badminton Asia Championship and Thomas/Uber Cup, as skimmed from a Badminton Spirit article. I have added PJB's impression of Momota on the (new) Momota thread, in full.
1) Targets for the BAC and TUC:
PJB: As match experience is important for the conditioning of the players, better results can be expected at the TUC. At the Uber Cup, the female players will set out to avenge their loss to China at last time's Finals. However, they may be hampered by injuries incurred at the national training camp. The men's team will be aiming for a place in the Finals.
2) On the use of XD players, i.e., Watanabe Yuta and Matsutomo Misaki:
PJB: More than anything, I am worried about sudden COVID-19 infections. This year, we were informed only two days before the TUC entry deadline that 12 players, instead of 10, could be entered. I included these two players because they were aces in MD and WD respectively, and they are still at the same level as other top players in these categories. I believe that Watanabe and Matsutomo will have a positive impact on the team.
3) On Injuries:
PJB: Okuhara's injury is long-standing, and her current condition is not very good. Nagahara, too, was due to play at the BAC, but has not been able to regain her form in time. Although she will play at the Uber Cup, the recovery process of injured players is proving quite slow.