Jay Idzes Out Again, Indonesian National Team's Defense Tested at FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026
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- Jay Idzes dipastikan melewatkan FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 akibat cedera, pukulan telak bagi lini pertahanan Indonesia.
- Pelatih John Herdman memiliki enam bek tengah untuk mengisi kekosongan, dengan Rizky Ridho dan Elkan Baggott sebagai kandidat utama.
- Legenda Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto menekankan bahwa kesempatan ini harus dimanfaatkan pemain pengganti untuk membawa Indonesia juara.
Key defender for the Indonesian National Team, Jay Idzes, is confirmed to miss the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, which will be held in Indonesia from September 25 to October 5. A recurring injury forces the Sassuolo player to sit out for the second consecutive time in a FIFA Matchday agenda, having previously missed two friendly matches in June 2026.
Idzes' absence is a significant blow to the Garuda Squad's defense. Not only due to his role as a primary bulwark but also his status as team captain. Since being naturalized in late 2023, the 190 cm tall defender has accumulated 18 appearances and become an irreplaceable pillar in the three-defender formation typically employed by coach John Herdman.
To fill the void, Herdman has prepared six center-backs in the 24-player squad: Kevin Diks, Justin Hubner, Rizky Ridho, Elkan Baggott, Jordi Amat, and Dion Markx. In a three-defender scheme, Idzes' position will most likely be filled by Rizky Ridho or Elkan Baggott, who will partner with Diks and Hubner. This choice is not only about individual quality but also the chemistry between players that must quickly develop, considering the tournament is just days away.
Indonesian football legend, Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, believes that Idzes' absence should be seen as an opportunity for other players to showcase their abilities. According to him, the current squad members already possess experience and quality, especially with many pursuing careers abroad, intensifying competition within the national team.
"Looking at the available players, I believe everyone has experience and quality, and with many players playing abroad, this certainly increases competition," said Kurniawan.
He also emphasized that making it into the national team is not easy. Whoever is called up must truly give their best and compete for a spot. "So, I hope that whoever is called up to the national team sees this as an opportunity to give their all to make the Indonesian people happy, who truly hope this team can become champions for the first time," he explained.
Indonesian Context: As the host nation, the Indonesian National Team carries high expectations to win their first title at the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026. Idzes' absence impacts not only technical aspects but also the team's psychology. Losing a captain before a major tournament can affect defensive stability and on-field leadership. However, the squad depth Herdman possesses—with many players abroad—provides a foundation to remain competitive. The national football public hopes that the replacements can perform solidly and bring Indonesia success on the regional stage.
Moving forward, the focus will be on how Herdman crafts the defensive lineup and whether the chosen players can live up to expectations. The real test is not just about replacing Idzes but also ensuring the backline remains solid when facing pressure from opponents in the ASEAN Cup. Can Indonesia transform the captain's absence into a moment of resurgence?
