Faizal’s return brings some relief to Speedy Tigers’ injury concerns

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia hockey team will have to forget about key players Marhan Jalil and Shahril Saabah for the Nations Cup but midfielder Faizal Saari is set to return for the tournament in Potchefstroom, South Africa, from Nov 28-Dec 4.

Reserve goalkeeper Zaimi Mat Deris, who picked up a hamstring injury at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last week, is also out but the Speedy Tigers will have Adrian Andy Albert as the deputy for first-choice goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman.

Defender Marhan has not not fully recovered from a foot injury while forward Shahril (knee and ankle) will also need a longer time to be fit to make a comeback before the World Cup in Bhubaneswarrourkela, India, from Jan 13-29.

National coach A. Arulselvaraj was relieved as Amirul Hamizan Azhar (foot injury) and Najib Abu Hassan (broken nose) are not out of the side.

“I was hoping Marhan and Shahril will be able to strengthen our team for the Nations Cup but we have to leave them out again and also Zaimi,” said Arulselvaraj.

“However, the team will approach the Nations Cup with the same objective, that is to play every match like a final and go for a win.

“The Azlan Shah Cup victory was a good boost for the players, considering we achieved success despite missing three key players and they are raring to go in South Africa.

“We have Adrian to replace Zaimi while Amirul’s injury is not serious while Najib has been playing with the special mask to protect his nose.”

Faizal, who played for ZSV Schaerweijde in the Dutch premier league (Hoodsklasse), has returned home on Tuesday to good reviews from the club coaches.

“The coaches (from Schaerweijde) have given some good feedback about Faizal. I will meet him tomorrow (today) and his condition will be evaluated. This is the same rule for any player who is making a comeback to the team,” added Arulselvaraj.

“At the Azlan Shah Cup, we could only name 18 but for the Nations Cup, we can name an additional two players and that will help due to the team’s injury concerns.”

Malaysia will open their campaign against South Korea on Nov 28.