Michel was sacked after Tunisia's poor showing at the African Nations Cup five months ago after just four months in the job.
He believes Tunisia will struggle in the Far East.
"When I see what we've demonstrated on the pitch and that we're going to the World Cup with this group I've reason to be worried. I'm not a miracle worker," said Michel.
Things had looked brighter for new coach Ammar Souyah with several players who missed the World Cup coming back into the line up.
Freiburg striker Adel Sellimi, defender Ziad Jaziri of E.S Sahel and Esperance striker Ali Zitouni, back from an injury which had kept him off the pitch for six months, are in the lineup.
But the injury of star midfielder Oussama Sallami with a twisted
knee against Japanese club side Oita Trinita earlier this month, has
been a bitter blow.
They are also without their veteran goalkeeper and former team captain Chokri El Ouaer, who announced his retirement, while playmaker Skander Souyah has been suspended for doping.