Against Cambodia In The 2020 AFF Cup, The National Team Without The Help Of Elkan Baggott

Elkan Baggott (Instagram @elkanbaggott)

JAKARTA - The coach of the Indonesian national team, Shin Tae-yong, confirmed that Elkan Baggoott would not help the Garuda squad in their inaugural match against Cambodia in the 2020 AFF Cup. The 19-year-old player will also not be included in the line-up.

Shin Tae-yong explained the reasons behind his decision not to include Baggott in the national team's inaugural match at AFF 2020. The coach said that he deliberately gave Baggott time off because his condition was not yet ideal for playing after air travel.

"Elkan Baggott cannot enter the starting line-up (Indonesia vs Cambodia)," said Shin Tae-Yong during an online press conference attended by VOI on Wednesday, December 8.

"I will give Elkan Baggott a break or put him on the bench," continued the South Korean tactician added.

Baggott himself is one of the Indonesian national team players who take part abroad. Before finally joining the national team, he had attended a training camp in Turkey.

During his time in Turkey, Baggott was also considered a reliable player in the team. It was proven during the test match against Afghanistan, he helped the team appear to block the opponent's attack.

In that match, Baggott was forced to leave the field in the 68th minute due to a problem in his head. After Baggott was pulled out, the national defense began to feel shaky and instead conceded by Afghanistan.

Unfortunately, Baggott's togetherness with the national team during the training camp did not last long because he had to return to his club, Ipswich Town in England to continue the competition. Baggott also just joined the national team today or the day before the inaugural match.

The short time with the long journey makes the player tired. That's why Shin Tae-yong chose not to force him into the main team.