SINGAPORE – The Lions’ Suzuki Cup marketing campaign has acquired one other blow with key defender Shakir Hamzah dominated out of the remainder of the Dec 5-Jan 1 match.
In a press release on Sunday (Dec 19), the Soccer Affiliation of Singapore stated that following a medical examination, the 29-year-old defender was confirmed to have suffered accidents to the anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and meniscus of his proper knee.
The hosts had misplaced ahead Gabriel Quak days earlier, after he determined to heed medical recommendation and go for surgical procedure to restore a torn labrum, which additionally guidelines him out of the remainder of the match. The 30-year-old had dislocated his left shoulder throughout a pleasant in opposition to Morocco ‘A’ in Dubai on Nov 16, however aggravated the harm in the course of the 2-1 Group A win over the Philippines on Dec 8.
On Saturday, Shakir was stretchered off within the twelfth minute along with his proper leg closely bandaged after a nasty collision with Thitiphan Puangchan within the Lions’ 2-0 loss to Thailand on the Nationwide Stadium.
The participant, who has began each match on this version and had scored within the 2-0 victory over Timor-Leste on Dec 14, stated: “I’m very disenchanted to have suffered this harm and will be unable to assist the workforce within the knockout phases, which I used to be actually trying ahead to. I’ll proceed to cheer the workforce on whereas I give attention to my restoration. I’m additionally grateful for the help and well-wishes I’ve acquired, and can do my finest to return stronger.
“I do know our followers will proceed to be there for our boys all through this match. They deserve the popularity for his or her effort and onerous work. I’ve been with them for the previous 12 weeks and I understand how a lot this competitors means to each particular person within the workforce. I might be with the followers to help the Lions this time as I do know the help means rather a lot to the gamers.”
Nur Adam Abdullah is the one pure substitute within the squad though midfielder Zulfahmi Arifin has been used at left-back on a number of events, together with approaching as an alternative choice to Shakir in opposition to Thailand. Different choices embody right-back Zulqarnaen Suzliman, who has been fielded at left-back for the Younger Lions within the Singapore Premier League this season, and Tajeli Salamat.
Nationwide coach Tatsuma Yoshida, who’s getting ready his males for the Dec 22 and 25 semi-finals, stated it was “powerful” and “unlucky” that Shakir won’t be out there.
He stated: “Everyone knows what he brings to the workforce; since June, he regained our belief on his personal and his angle and dedication to the workforce has improved massively. Shakir has advanced to develop into a key member of the workforce and we are going to really feel his absence each on and off the pitch. Nonetheless, he’s a fighter and I want him all the very best along with his restoration and am certain that he’ll emerge from this stronger.”
