KUALA LUMPUR: Never before have Harimau Malaya been weakened by so many injuries ahead of crucial matches.
On Saturday, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed that Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi, a top-choice custodian for Harimau Malaya, pulled out of the squad due to an injury.
The 28-year-old is the sixth player to withdraw from the national squad due to various reasons, following forwards Faisal Halim, Arif Aiman Hanapi, Darren Lok, Syafiq Ahmad and Romel Morales ahead of the two crucial World Cup qualifying Group D matches against Kyrgyzstan on June 6 and Taiwan on June 11.
National coach Kim Pan Gon will not call up a replacement as he has three reliable custodians — Azri Ab Ghani, Kalamullah Al-Hafiz Mat Rowi, and Sikh Izhan Nazrel Sikh Azman — in his squad.
Despite the injury issues, FAM deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi is confident Pan Gon and Harimau Malaya will overcome the obstacles and do well against Kyrgyzstan and Taiwan.
"We can't solely rely on individual players. Pan Gon and his players must adapt to the situation and show resilience.
"I also urge the fans to show support and encourage the players, especially in crucial moments like this. I believe Harimau Malaya will do well," said Yusoff.
Selangor midfielder Nooa Laine will join the national squad tomorrow, completing the 25-member team that will fly to Bishkek on Tuesday for their qualifier against Kyrgyzstan at the Dolen Omurzakov Stadium on June 6.
Malaysia will conclude their Group D campaign against Taiwan at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 11.
After four matches, Malaysia are third in the group with six points. Kyrgyzstan are at the top, sharing nine points with second-placed Oman, while Taiwan are at the bottom without any points.