Arkhan Fikri Absent, These 4 Players Could Be An Option In The 2025 AFF U-23 Cup Semifinals

Toni Firmansyah (7) and Rayhan Hannan (8) could be replacement options for Arkhan Fikri in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup semifinals (VOI/Karisa Aurelia Tukan).

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team midfielder, Arkhan Fikri, has been ruled out for the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup semifinals. Facing Thailand U-23 on Friday, July 25, 2025, Arkhan was forced to withdraw because he had not yet recovered from injury.

The certainty regarding Arhan Fikri's condition was revealed by the U-23 Indonesian National Team Manager, Ahmed Zaki Iskandar, after the match against Malaysia U-23 at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Monday, July 21, 2025.

"He (Arkhan Fikri) has not been able to (show in the semifinals)," said Zaki in his statement.

Arkhan Fikri's absence had quite an impact on the performance of the U-23 Indonesian national team against Malaysia in the group's last match.

You see, the player is the creator of the U-23 Indonesian national team attack. Coach Gerald Vanenburg also agreed that losing Arkhan made it difficult for his troops to score goals against Malaysia yesterday.

Although Arkhan Fikri is likely to miss the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup semifinals, Vanenburg still has the option of substitutes to fill the abandoned post.

Here Are A Series Of Names That Can Replace Arkhan Fikri's Role

Rayhan Hanan

The option of the first player to be Gerald Vanenburg's choice is Muhammad Rayhan Hannan.

This player fills the attacking midfielder position of the U-23 Indonesian national team who has a vision of playing well with qualified abilities and having a mature experience.

Dominikus Dion

In addition, there is Dominikus Dion who fills the midfielder post. He can also play on the left back and wing.

Dion's Dominikus is considered suitable because he has the speed and ability to dribble well which can replace Arkhan Fikri.

Firman Juliansyah

Firman Juliansyah can also be an option for Gerald Vanenburg to replace Arkhan Fikri.

Firman has a mature experience playing under high pressure because Semen Padang is often fielded in Liga 1.

Although he is often fielded as a winger, Firman can also play as an attacking midfielder.

Toni Firmansyah

When there was Arkhan Fikri, Toni Firmansyah was more in operation a little deeper. However, when Arkhan Fikri was absent, Toni Firmansyah also had the ability to act as an attacking midfielder for the U-23 Indonesian national team.

You see, Toni Firmansyah also has a high attacking instinct, a good vision to organize attacks, and has the power to fire hard shots from outside the penalty box.

If Toni Firmansyah plays more pushed forward to replace Arkhan Fikri, then Achmad Maulana can be played in the defensive midfield position - even though he is now playing as a right-back more often.