KUALA LUMPUR: A depleted Harimau Malaya are bracing for a tough Asean Cup Group A clash against defending champions Thailand after scraping past Timor Leste 3-2 in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday.
World No. 132 Malaysia were expected to ease past 196th-ranked Timor Leste but found themselves trailing 2-1 at half-time.
A brace from Brazilian Paulo Josue salvaged victory, earning Malaysia's first win in the competition after a 2-2 draw against Cambodia on Sunday.
However, the hard-fought win came at a cost.
Forwards Syafiq Ahmad, Fergus Tierney, and Darren Lok sustained injuries and are doubtful against world No. 97 Thailand in Bangkok on Saturday.
To complicate matters, several players have been recalled by their clubs for M-League matches, leaving caretaker coach Pau Marti Vicente with just 21 players from his 26-member squad.
Defender Dominic Tan, Stuart Wilkin, Darren and Daniel Ting have been recalled by Sabah for Sunday's Malaysia Cup quarter-final match against Kuching City on Sunday.
Striker Syafiq has been left behind to recover from an ankle injury.
An exasperated Vicente admitted the situation was less than ideal.
"We don't know exactly how many players will be available, but at least three are injured. It's also tough for players who have to move in and out of the national team due to club commitments," said the Spaniard.
"This situation is very challenging for the players, but they're doing their best under the circumstances.
"We need to face reality. We've got four points from two games and still have a chance to progress. It's not perfect, but I'm confident those who travel to Thailand will give their all," he added.
Malaysia lead Group A with four points, while Thailand and Singapore have three points each but have played one match fewer. Cambodia are fourth with one point, while Timor Leste sit at the bottom after two defeats.
Vicente warned that tougher challenges lie ahead:
"You can't compare our next games against Thailand and Singapore to this one. Each match is different. Right now, the priority is recovery — physically and mentally.
"It's been a tough week, especially with players having played for their clubs just two days before the tournament began.
"Some will end up playing four or five games in just 12 days, which is exhausting. All we can do is stick together and prepare for the Thailand match."
The national squad departed for Bangkok today.