Shin Tae-yong's Comments About The Absence Of Elkan Baggott

Elkan Baggott was not included in the Indonesian national team's list of players in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers (Instagram/@elkanbaggott).

JAKARTA - The Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, explained the absence of Elkan Baggott on the Garuda Squad cast list. Elkan was absent from the training camp (TC) ahead of the 2026 World Cup trials and qualification.

So far, Elkan Baggott has collected 24 appearances in the Indonesian national team. However, that number does not seem to have increased because he was not included in the TC list this time.

Shin Tae-yong prioritizes names such as Rizky Ridho, Jordi Amat, Justin Hubner, Jay Idzes, who can fill the position at the heart of defense.

Baggott's absence this time was not worried about Shin because there were names that could replace him. Regarding the absence of the player, Shin apparently did not comment much.

"The issue of Elkan (Baggot) may immediately ask Elkan. Elkan is the one who knows better," said Shin Tae-yong in a statement after leading the exercise in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.

Elkan himself has been part of the Indonesian national team since the arrival of Shin Tae-yong as a coach.

He was trusted to fill the group team and then appear in the senior team. Elkan made his senior national team debut in 2021 which is also part of the Indonesian national team in the AFF Cup.

Shin Tae-yong had previously tried to call Elkan Baggott to strengthen the U-23 Indonesian national team at the 2024 Paris Olympics playoffs against Guinea. However, the Ipswich Town player canceled strengthening Garuda Muda.