KUALA LUMPUR: Battered by injuries, Selangor will be on a salvage mission against South Korean giants Jeonbuk Motor in an Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2) Group H match at the MBPJ Stadium tomorrow.
The Red Giants' crocked list includes skipper Safuwan Baharudin, Jordanian midfielder Noor Al-Rawabdeh and Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi. Cape Verdean winger Alvin Fortes will have to pass a late fitness test.
In contrast, Jeonbuk are coming off a 4-1 win over Thai side Muangthong United in Bangkok earlier this month and comfortably lead Group H with a perfect six points from two matches. They crushed Philippines' Dynamic Cebu Herb 6-0 in their opener.
Selangor are second in the group with four points, thanks to the 1-1 draw with Muangthong and 1-0 win over Dynamic Cebu. But now they face their biggest test in the competition.
Selangor coach Nidzam Jamil said he is glad that he has a big squad and thus there are players to fill in for the injured ones.
"Al-Rawabdeh has an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury. It's sad that we will lose him for six months," said Nidzam.
"Safwan won't be available, I can confirm that Ajmal, too. There are a few more players in the final stage whether they can play or not tomorrow."
"Fortes needs to get clearance from the team doctor because three-four days later we will play Johor Darul Ta'zim. And we want him to play tomorrow. However, my priority is the players' health, the focus is on their recovery.
"We are happy that we have a big squad, where we have young players who are waiting to get their 'big moment' tomorrow."
Jeonbuk coach Kim Do Heon said his men need to be wary of Selangor's foreign legion of winger Ali Olwan (Jordan), Yohandry Orozco (Venezeula) and flanker Fortes.
"We know that Selangor have good quality imports. They have a Jordan international (Olwan) on the left flank, one from Venezuela (Yohandry Orozco) and their right winger (Fortes) who had played for Feyenoord in the Netherlands.
"They have quality and character, they can give pressure from the front and the flanks as well from the back. I know Selangor compete with Johor (Darul Ta'zim) in the Malaysian League, I know they have quality."