KUALA TERENGGANU: Terengganu FC head coach Tomislav Steinbruckner has a replacement ready to fill the void left by Akhyar Rashid after the forward suffered injuries during a robbery last week.
Steinbruckner said he has several options in mind to get a positive result in the Turtles' Super League opener against Perak at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak on Saturday.
"I have planned who will take Akhyar's position in this Saturday's match, and one of the players being considered is Norhakim Hassan," said
Steinbruckner.
"However, I'm still evaluating several other players who I believe are capable of handling the task. Our mission is to get the three points, especially when playing at home.
"The players who will be listed should not disappoint the team and the fans. They need to deliver their best performance in the first match."
Akhyar, who was attacked and robbed near his condominium in Kuala Terengganu last Thursday, is expected to be sidelined for a long period after suffering injuries to his head and legs, requiring six stitches.
Steinbruckner said his players' mental condition is good despite being shocked by the Akhyar incident.
"Besides Akhyar, defender Mathew Steenvoorden is also unavailable due to an injury picked up during the preseason. The positive news is that right-back Azam Azmi Murad has undergone full training and is ready to play," said Steinbruckner.