8 Months Injury, Thailand Goalkeeper Absent In 2020 AFF Cup Final

Penjaga gawang Thailnad Chatchai Budprom (Twitter @suzukiaffcup)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team will face Thailand in the first leg of the 2020 AFF Cup final on Wednesday, December 29. Ahead of this important match, bad news came to The War Elephants.

This is related to the state of their mainstay goalkeeper, Chatchai Budprom, who is certain to be absent. Budprom could not help Thailand's struggle because of a serious injury.

Quoted from Siamsport, Budprom was forced to miss out due to an injury against Vietnam in the second leg of the AFF Cup semifinals on Sunday, December 26. Budprom's injury occurred during the first half.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper suffered an injury after coming out of the net to throw the ball which became Vietnam's golden opportunity in the 31st minute. After a successful clean sweep, Budprom actually lay on the field holding his left knee.

Due to this injury, Budprom had to be carried off the field on a stretcher. The vacant position of Pathum United FC goalkeeper was then replaced by Sirawak Tedsungnoen in the 33rd minute.

The same source also reported on Budprom's condition after being carried off the field on a stretcher. Based on the doctor's statement, Budprom suffered a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee and had to undergo surgery.

In the aftermath of the medical action, the doctor also predicted that the goalkeeper would have to be out for a long time. Budprom is said to have been sidelined for up to eight months to recover his condition.

"After surgery, Chatchai Budprom needs to continue physical therapy for at least six to eight months to be able to come back again," said Thailand's national team doctor Pakapon Israkaisil.

For Thailand itself, the presence of Budprom is one of the important factors for winning. He became the last stronghold of the war elephant forces.

During Thailand's appearance in the 2020 AFF Cup competition, Budprom was also coach Alexandre Polking's first choice. He only missed one record when Thailand appeared in the last Group A match against Singapore.

Budprom's absence due to injury is obviously bad news for Thailand. But on the other hand, this moment could be a great opportunity for Indonesia to be able to appear more pressing and score many goals.

photo: Twitter.com/@Changsuek_TH