JAKARTA - Good news came for the U-23 Indonesian national team ahead of facing Thailand U-23 in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup semifinals. Having been absent, Garuda Muda's mainstay player, Arkhan Fikri, has returned from injury.
Arkhan's condition was known during the last training session of the U-23 Indonesian national team at the Madya Stadium, Thursday, July 24, 2025. Garuda Muda manager Ahmed Zaki Iskandar has also made sure the Arema FC player is ready to play.
"As a result of two MRIs, he can play. He can play, just have to see the latest conditions," said Zaki on the sidelines of watching the open training of the U-23 Indonesian national team, quoted Friday, July 25, 2025.
Even though they can join the team, it is not certain whether Arkhan can play as a starter or enter as a substitute in the match later.
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Apart from that, the news that Arkhan had recovered from injury is good news for coach Gerald Vanenburg.
You see, Arkhan is a key player in the midfield of the U-23 Indonesian national team. His presence will make the midfield of the U-23 Indonesian national team stronger.
The 20-year-old appeared impressive in the first two matches of Indonesia U-23 when he won 8-0 over Brunei Darussalam U-23 and beat the U-23 Philippines 1-0.
When Arkhan was absent against Malaysia U-23, the U-23 Indonesian national team's midfield seemed to have lost the game creator engine.
Apart from having scored one goal in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup, Arkhan has advantages with his ability to play between disciplines. He was also able to surprise him with his move into the opponent's penalty box to give other options in the attack on the U-23 Indonesian national team.
Arkhan Fikri's presence also means Rayhan Hannan can return to his best post as a far-right player. That way, the color of the U-23 Indonesian national team attack will be more complete to tear up Thailand's goal as well as pave the way to the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup final.
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