Marselino Ferdinand Confirmed Absen In The Indonesia Vs Brunei Match

Indonesian national team player Marselino Ferdinand. (Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA Marselino Ferdinand was confirmed absent during the Indonesian national team (Timnas) playing an away match against Brunei Darussalam.

It is known that Indonesia will have an away match against the host Brunei in the second leg of the 2026 World Cup Qualification in the Asian zone at Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium, Tuesday, October 17.

Marselino, who plays with Belgian club Deinze, has not been able to perform and still needs injury treatment.

"This is purely a health issue because Marselino's hamstring injury takes time to recover. That is why it is better not to be taken to Begawan Series Bandar and will focus on recovering in Jakarta," said PSSI doctor Syarif Alwi, quoted by the federation website.

Although Marselino did not strengthen, Shin Tae Yong's troops could still relax playing the second leg after a big 6-0 win over Brunei in the home match at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, last Thursday.

Shin Tae Yong himself did not really question Marselino's absence. The reason is, in a big win in the first leg, the player was also absent.

"He [Marselino Ferdinand] is still injured. So, to maintain the condition of the player concerned, I did not bring him," said the South Korean coach.

Two other players, Edo Febriansyah and striker Rafael Struick, who was previously injured, have been brought by Shin to Brunei. The two names were lighter and there is a possibility that they could be played in the second match later.

Indonesia is favored to qualify for the second half after the results of the first leg. If they qualify for the second half, Garuda will fill Group F with Iraq, Vietnam, and the Philippines.