PSSI Bujuk Cerezo Osaka To Release Justin Hubner In The Indonesia U-23 Vs Guinea U-23 Match

PSSI's approach through General Chair Erick Thohir to Japanese club Cerezo Osaka to ask Justin Hubner to defend Indonesia U-23 against Guinea U-23.

Indonesia U-23 leaves one more way to secure tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The only way is to play a playoff between the Confederations against Africa's representatives, Guinea U-23, on May 9, 2024.

Given that the match will be held in Paris, Garuda Muda players immediately departed from Qatar to France after completing the match for the third place in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup against Iraq U-23. However, from the row of players who joined Paris, Justin Hubner was not in the group.

The 20-year-old centre-back separated from the squad because he had to return to Japan to defend his club, Cerezo Osaka.

However, the General Chairperson of PSSI is trying to get Justin Hubner to re-strengthen Indonesia U-23 against Guinea U-23.

"Indeed, we lost Justin (Hubner) who was called by Cerezo Osaka," said Erick Thohir in a statement quoted Monday, May 6, 2024.

"However, I have sent a letter to Cerezo Osaka to be able to help us again because, after all, in the Japanese League (J-League 1) it is not the final round, it is only the preliminary round," said the chairman of PSSI.

Erick hopes Cerezo can release Justin Hubner to Indonesia U-23. The reason is, the match against Guinea U-23 is very important for Garuda Muda who is aiming for the final ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"I hope that Cerezo Osaka and of course the Japanese government will maintain good relations with the Indonesian government. I hope Cerezo Osaka will also continue to help Indonesian football, yes," said Erick Thohir.

"Yesterday, they helped, now we are asking again so that Justin can return (to Indonesia U-23)," said Erick.