Persija Jakarta Reveals Gustavo Almeida's Condition, Can Only Play February 2024

Thomas Doll diverts his focus on strengthening other lines when the sector attacks bluntly (doc. Persija).

JAKARTA - Persija Jakarta revealed the latest news about their newly recruited foreign striker, Gustavo Almeida.

After suffering an injury in his debut match against Bhayangkara FC on November 27, 2023, the player could only rejoin the team next year or February 2024 to be precise.

Gustavo's presence at the forefront of the Kemayoran Tigers is actually expected to be a differentiator and this was welcomed by Thomas Doll as the coach.

However, the hope that Almeida could bring a bright spot in the team must be marginalized temporarily.

"I'm glad Gustavo (Almeda) came, but he is currently injured," said Thomas Doll during a press conference at Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi, on Friday, December 15, 2023.

After missing several matches for the recovery process, Thomas Doll then revealed that currently Almeida's condition is starting to recover.

However, the coach could not include the Brazilian striker in the nearest match, namely against PSS Sleman on Sunday, December 16, 2023.

Although most likely to be able to appear in February 2024, Almeida is planned to have started preparations with the team since January next year.

"So, Gustavo (Almeda) will only play (in full with the team) in February 2024. However, he will start preparations in January," explained Thomas Doll.

Almeida's absence in the nearest match of Persija Jakarta and PSS will more or less affect the coach's decision to formulate a line of players in front.

No wonder, Doll has the potential to shift his focus to further thicken other lines that are no less potential.

"Conditions like this (the number of attacks) are indeed a little difficult. We are less compact, but we can change it to strengthen the defense, like last season where we concentrated on defending," he said.