U-24 National Team in the Round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Games Without Beckham Putra

JAKARTA - The Indonesian U-24 national team will undergo the round of 16 at the Asian Games without Beckham Putra. It is certain that the Persib midfielder will not go to Hangzhou, China on Monday night.

The news about Beckham's cancellation following the squad in China was conveyed by Sumardji. The head of the National Team Agency (BTN) said that Beckham had canceled his trip because his situation was unstable after suffering an injury.

"Yes, that's true (Beckham didn't go to China), because he hasn't fully recovered yet, his muscles are still weak," said Sumardji in a statement regarding the Beckham news, quoted on Tuesday, September 26.

Previously, Beckham was said to be joining the U-24 national team squad in China together with Ramadhan Sananta. Both are scheduled to fly on Monday evening of Western Indonesian Time (WIB).

However, news circulated that only Sananta had finally caught up with the squad in China. Sumardji confirmed this because it turned out that Beckham was still not recovering from a thigh injury.

The 21-year-old player suffered the injury while with Persib. Before it was confirmed that he would fly to China, Sumardji stated that Beckham's chances of leaving were uncertain because the player had to undergo a medical examination first with the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) to confirm his condition.

"Because after that (examination), you are not allowed to (go) with the PSSI doctor," said Sumardji.

Without Beckham, Garuda Muda only has one striker, namely Ramadhan Sananta. The Persis Solo player also came as an additional player for the round of 16 of the 2023 Asian Games.

Ramadhan Sananta was called up again because he had previously been included in the entry by name of 22 players for the Asian Games. It's just that before the group stage started, Sananta was not released by Exactly on the grounds that the club needed his services.

However, when Indonesia was confirmed to have qualified for the last 16 of the 2023 Asian Games, Persis decided to allow Sananta to join China to help the team's struggle.

Next, the U-24 national team will continue their hard work hunting for victory at the 2023 Asian Games against Uzbekistan at the Shangcheng Sports Center Stadium, Hangzhou on Thursday, September 28.