NATIONAL coach Tan Cheng Hoe is not pushing the panic button just yet as he believes defender Syahmi Safari will be fit just in time for the pre-World Cup Group G match against Indonesia on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old right-back suffered a groin injury during the 2-1 win over Thailand in Thursday’s qualifier in Bukit Jalil.
Cheng Hoe hopes the Selangor defender will recover as the other natural right-back in his squad in Matthew Davies will be serving a one-match suspension on Tuesday.
Forward Syafiq Ahmad is also suspended, but Cheng Hope has enough options in attack.
“I am hoping Syahmi will recover in time for the match as his injury does not look serious. However, we will work with the options we have in the squad ahead of the game. There is still time,” said Cheng Hoe at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras yesterday.
Indonesia will be desperate for points as they are currently at the bottom of the group following four straight defeats while Malaysia are fourth with six points.
Cheng Hoe is wary of Indonesia, and he has reminded his players not to lose focus on Tuesday.
“We have a few days to come up with strategies ahead of the match. I want my players to remain focused as Indonesia will be determined to collect points.
“The Indonesians are under tremendous pressure and we need to be careful,” he added.