Rafael Struick Hasn't Appeared In The U-23 Indonesian National Team TC Yet, Indra Sjafri Explains The Reason

Rafael Struick has not joined the U-23 Indonesian National Team TC because he is still injured (Instagram/@rafaelstruick).

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team coach, Indra Sjafri, explained the reason why Rafael Struick has yet to be seen joining the squad on the training camp (TC) agenda. The player's condition turned out to be the main cause.

Struick was one of 32 players who were called in to attend a training camp in Jakarta to prepare for the 2025 SEA Games.

However, from the training camp that had been running for a week, the Dewa United player had not yet joined.

"Struick is still injured. According to my team of doctors, after checking he was indeed injured," said Indra Sjafri at a press conference before the trial match against India U-23 quoted Friday, October 10, 2025.

Garuda Muda is indeed scheduled to undergo a test match against India on October 10 and 13, 2025 at the Gelora Bung Karno Intermediate Stadium, Jakarta. The agenda is included in preparation before appearing at the 2025 SEA Games.

It's not just Struick that hasn't been seen. Ahead of the test match, Marselino Ferdinand also experienced the same situation.

The US Trencin player was not called up at the training camp, but he was included in the 50 players registered for the 2025 SEA Games.

"There are also several other players such as Marselino who are still injured. If they are still injured and there is no doctor's statement to be able to participate in training, I certainly will not be careless to force him to join TC," said Indra Sjafri.

The 62-year-old coach also answered a riddle about the Geypens Team not joining the Garuda Muda training camp agenda because he chose to focus with his club FC Emmen.

According to Indra's explanation, Geypens has not officially confirmed refusing to join. However, Indra understands that the player may not be allowed by his club to join the U-23 Indonesian national team because the 2025 SEA Games are not included in the FIFA calendar.

"For the team, I'm still communicating, there's no confirmation saying he can't come to the 2025 SEA Games."

"If there is a club that says that because this is not the FIFA agenda, I think it's only natural."

"This is where PSSI's role as an organization. I as a coach communicate with the club. After communication, I can't, I don't want to cry because there are other players," said the coach.