Giant of a task ahead
Selangor may lose up to five regulars for clash with Pahang
PETALING JAYA: Selangor are really down on their luck. With three tough Super League matches line-up, the Red Giants are sweating over the availability of three injured key players.
Skipper Mohd Shahrom Abdul Kalam (knee), striker Abdul Hadi Yahya (back) and midfielder Mohd Raimi Mohd Nor (ankle) are all recovering from injuries and are doubtful for tonight’s cruncher against leaders Pahang although they trained on Thursday.
One player who is definitely out for the match at the Shah Alam Stadium tonight is Brazilian forward Guilherme De Paula. Although he did light training on Thursday, he’s as good as out for another two to three weeks with a hamstring injury.
“We’ll see how Shahrom, Yahya and Raimi fare in today’s (yesterday) training session ... hopefully, they can be ready for the match (against Pahang),” said Selangor coach Mehmet Durakovic, who will also be without midfielder Saiful Ridzuwan Selamat, who is competing in the World University Games (Universiade) in Gwangju, South Korea.
Selangor’s next two matches are against second-placed Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on July 13 and Police (Aug 1), the league’s highest scorers with 28 goals.
The Red Giants are third in the 12-team standings with 24 points – three behind Pahang and one adrift of JDT. Perak also have 24 points but are fourth on goal difference.
Durakovic’s men have a chance to top the standings if they can beat Pahang – and JDT drop points.
“We need to keep the momentum from our last two wins going.
“We must beat Pahang as we’re at home,” said the 49-year-old Durakovic, whose side have the second highest goal haul of 27 goals.
But it won’t be easy against double winners Pahang, who have the second meanest defence in the league having conceded just 12 goals thus far.
Selangor will have to be master locksmiths if they are to unlock the Pahang backline of Jamaican Damion Stewart, Pakistan international Zesh Rehman, skipper Razman Roslan and Mohd Saiful Nizam Miswan.
“They’ll be very tough to break down but we’ve been playing some good football and scoring goals. I’m confident my players can deliver.”