Vietnam
Indonesia Faces Major Squad Shake-Up as Injured Mauro Zijlstra Set to Miss AFF Cup 2026
Indonesia's preparations for the 2026 AFF Cup have suffered a setback after naturalized striker Mauro Zijlstra was ruled out with a hamstring injury. The 21-year-old picked up the problem during the national team's training camp in Gianyar, significantly reducing his chances of making the final 23-man squad. With the opening match against Cambodia approaching, head coach John Herdman is now expected to finalize a replacement in attack.
The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Zijlstra, who had been competing for a place in Indonesia's squad for the regional tournament. Medical assessments confirmed that his recovery will take time, making it unlikely that he will be fit for the competition. As a result, the coaching staff has shifted its focus toward maintaining a balanced and fully available squad rather than waiting for his return.
Herdman emphasized that the decision is based on the player's fitness and long-term recovery instead of competition for places. The coaching staff and teammates continue to support Zijlstra throughout his rehabilitation, hoping he can return to full fitness as soon as possible. His absence, however, leaves an important vacancy in Indonesia's attacking department.
Several forwards now have a stronger opportunity to secure a place in the final squad. Jens Raven has emerged as one of the leading candidates after impressing during the training camp, while newly naturalized Mitchell Baker also has a realistic chance of making the team. Other attacking options, including Hokky Caraka, Ramadhan Sananta, Rafael Struick, Eksel Runtukahu, and Arkhan Kaka, remain in contention as the final selection approaches.
Indonesia currently has a 49-player provisional squad undergoing evaluation before the official roster is announced. In addition to selecting the attacking line, Herdman is also expected to add another goalkeeper to comply with tournament regulations requiring every team to register three keepers. The coming days will be crucial as the coaching staff trims the squad and finalizes the players who will represent Indonesia at the 2026 AFF Cup.
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