Hamstring Injury Doesn't Stop Malaysia from Calling Sergio Aguero, Kalezic: It's Their Right

PSM Makassar coach, Darije Kalezic, spoke out regarding the Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) decision to still call Sergio Aguero to the Malaysian National Team for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, even though the naturalized midfielder is still suffering from a hamstring injury. Kalezic believes the move is perfectly legitimate because Malaysia has full rights based on FIFA regulations.

This call-up has drawn attention because Aguero has not once played for PSM in the BRI Super League 2026 since officially signing on August 1. The hamstring injury he sustained on August 19, 2026—while playing for Malaysia against Vietnam in the second leg of the AFF Cup 2026 semifinals—has kept him out for a long time. This situation has forced PSM to incur losses as their investment has yet to yield results on the field.

Malaysia is in Group A Division 1 along with Indonesia, Singapore, and Bangladesh in the inaugural edition of the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, held from September 25–October 6, 2026, in Jakarta and Bandung. Aguero's name is on the list of 23 players under coach Tan Cheng Ho, even though his fitness status has not fully recovered.

"We have communicated with FAM about Sergio's condition. He still cannot run, and because of that, PSM cannot play him," said Kalezic.

The Bosnian-Herzegovinian coach added that he does not expect Aguero to be forced to play for the national team. However, he fully realizes that the final decision rests with Malaysia. "In conditions like this, I also don't expect Sergio to be played. But Malaysia has the right to call him up during the FIFA Matchday period," he explained.

FIFA regulations indeed require clubs to release their players if called up by the national team during the FIFA Matchday period, regardless of their fitness condition. PSM and Kalezic have no choice but to comply with these rules. "This is the same as other teams that want their players to help the national team, whether he is fit or not. Malaysia has the right to call this player. Of course, we have already communicated with them," Kalezic stated.

For Indonesia, this situation reflects the challenges often faced by BRI Liga 1 clubs when their foreign players are called up by their respective countries. On one hand, the presence of players in international events increases the league's market value; on the other hand, clubs bear a double burden: losing player power in domestic competitions and the risk of prolonged injuries. PSM, which is currently building its squad, is clearly disadvantaged because Aguero has not yet contributed anything.

The FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 itself serves as a proving ground for Southeast Asian football, with Indonesia as the host. The participation of players like Aguero—if fit—could add to the tournament's appeal. However, Malaysia's decision to call up an injured player raises questions about risk management and communication between federations and clubs. Is this purely a national team strategy, or is there pressure to meet the naturalized player quota?

Going forward, this case could set a precedent for Indonesian clubs in responding to the call-up of foreign players. PSSI and the league operator may need to clarify compensation or protection mechanisms for clubs that lose players due to injuries while representing the national team. Meanwhile, public attention will be focused on whether Aguero is actually played by Malaysia in the ASEAN Cup, or merely serves as a squad filler. What is clear is that the tug-of-war between club and national interests will continue to be a hot issue in modern football.