KUALA LUMPUR: KL City FC coach Miroslav Kuljanac is hoping his injury-hit squad can handle the challenge of playing three matches in just eight days.
On Saturday, KL City, without captain and top scorer Paulo Josue and striker Haqimi Azim Rosli — both sidelined with injuries — suffered a 1-0 defeat to Perak in Ipoh.
Luka Milunovic netted the winner for Perak in the 62nd minute.
"We had to adjust our lineup with Josue and Haqimi on the injury list," said Kuljanac.
"While I can't definitively say we would have won with Josue on the pitch, his scoring record of six goals clearly shows his importance to the team."
Looking ahead, the coach is focused on ensuring his players recover before they face Indonesia's Borneo FC in the Asean Club Championship at KLFA Stadium on Thursday, followed by a Super League match against Penang just three days later at the same venue.
"This upcoming stretch is daunting," said Kuljanac.
"We play Borneo on Sept 26. I hope the Malaysian Football League will consider moving our match against Penang to Sept 30. Having only four days between games with this level of intensity is not easy."
KL City, who were docked six points for financial issues, sit 11th in the standings with eight points from 10 matches, while Perak are seventh with 12 points.