Korea Republic recalls Arsenal's Park

Also in the 23-man squad is Park Jong-Woo, who is being investigated by the International Olympic Committee for displaying a controversial sign about a territorial dispute after his team's win in London over Japan.

Coach Choi Kang-Hee, who selected eight Olympic players including Ki Sung-Yueng, who joined Premier League club Swansea City last week, said: "I hope young players will invigorate our team."

He said he had chosen midfielder Park Jong-Woo because he was 'tough'.

Arsenal's Park has seen almost no action since moving to London a year ago. He was dropped from the national squad for the last two qualifiers after he came under fire for delaying his military service.

The 27-year-old won an official exemption from military service after he helped Korea Republic's Olympic team defeat Japan 2-0 for the bronze medal. South Korea exempted Olympic medallists as an inducement.

The tricky Lee Chung-Yong is back in the squad after missing most of last season because of a double fracture to his right leg.

Korea Republic, top of Asian qualifying Group A after beating Qatar 4-1 and Lebanon 3-0, takes on the Uzbeks on 11 September in Tashkent. Uzbekistan has only one point from two games.

Korea Republic squad:

Goalkeepers: Kim Young-Kwang (Ulsan Hyundai), Jung Sung-Ryong (Suwon Samsung), Kim Jin-Hyeon (Cerezo Osaka/JPN)

Defenders: Yun Suk-Young (Chunnam Dragons), Oh Beom-Seok (Suwon Samsung), Jung In-Whan (Incheon United), Kwak Tae-Hwi (Ulsan Hyundai), Hwang Seok-Ho (Hiroshima Sanfrecce), Ko Yo-Han (FC Seoul), Park Joo-Ho (FC Basel/SUI), Lee Jung-Soo (Al-Sadd)

Midfielders: Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton Wanderers/ENG), Ha Dae-Sung (FC Seoul), Yoon Bit-Garam (Seongnam Ilhwa), Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City/WAL), Koo Ja-Cheol (Augsburg/GER), Park Chu-Young (Arsenal/ENG), Park Jong-Woo (Busan IPark), Ki Sung-Yueng (Swansea City/WAL), Lee Keun-Ho (Ulsan Hyundai), Lee Seung-Gi (Gwangju FC)

Forwards: Lee Dong-Gook (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Kim Shin-Wook (Ulsan Hyundai)