Nathan Tjoe-A-On Plays Full Match, Jay Idzes' Bitter Comeback: Fitness Map of Indonesia National Team's Overseas Players

Jay Idzes finally returned to Sassuolo's squad list after nearly six weeks on the sidelines, but the moment turned into a nightmare when Lazio ran riot with six goals at Mapei Stadium on Tuesday (27/10/2026) evening local time. The 2-6 defeat not only extended Sassuolo's negative run to five matches without a win, but also marred the comeback of the Indonesia national team captain who has long been the backbone of the back line.

Idzes, last seen playing for Sassuolo in mid-September, was immediately fielded by coach Alberto Aquilani in the ninth matchweek of Serie A. However, the return of the 26-year-old defender was not enough to patch up Sassuolo's fragile defense, which was carved apart by Tijjani Noslin (two goals), Kenneth Taylor, Gustav Isaksen, Romano Floriani, and Mattia Zaccagni. The hosts' two consolation goals came only from an own goal by Josip Sutalo and one from Sebastiano Esposito, making the heavy defeat further underline the performance crisis of the Emilia-Romagna club.

On the other hand, Sassuolo's poor result does not fully reflect Idzes' condition. His return to the pitch is a positive signal for the Indonesia national team coaching staff, who are monitoring the fitness of overseas players ahead of the next international agenda. With Sassuolo's next two matches against Fiorentina and AS Roma, Idzes' chance to return to the starting XI remains wide open, as long as his physical condition keeps improving.

From the Netherlands, Nathan Tjoe-A-On showed consistency in performance with Willem II. Playing from the first minute in the first round of the KNVB Cup against Helmond Sport, the versatile midfielder completed 90 minutes and contributed five defensive actions, three clearances, one interception, and two ball recoveries. Although Willem II had to work hard for a 4-3 win, Nathan's performance earned a rating of 6.5—enough to illustrate his contribution in midfield and defense.

Unlike Nathan, Dean James did not get any playing time when Go Ahead Eagles thrashed Koninklijke HFC 5-0 in the same competition. Dean spent the match on the bench, even though his team advanced smoothly to the next round. This situation is a note in itself for the Indonesia national team coaching staff, who hope overseas players keep getting match rhythm rather than merely being squad fillers.

In Germany, Kevin Diks had to sit out for the second time in a row. The 30-year-old defender was not in the squad list when Borussia Monchengladbach beat Karlsruhe SC 2-0 in the second round of the DFB-Pokal, and was not even seen on the bench. Previously, Diks also missed the Bundesliga match against Stuttgart. Coach Alexander Blessin confirmed Diks' absence was not due to injury but personal reasons, and he is expected to return for Gladbach when they host Paderborn in the eighth matchweek of the Bundesliga on Saturday (31/10/2026) evening WIB.

Diks' absence deserves appreciation as a form of workload management rarely carried out by European clubs toward Southeast Asian players. Before sitting out, Diks had always been a starter in six of Gladbach's matches this season and was trusted with the captain's armband four times. That consistency shows how important his role is in the back line, while also serving as an alarm for the national team not to force players who are in a recovery period.

Meanwhile, Emil Audero had to accept rotation at Rayo Vallecano. The Indonesia national team goalkeeper only watched from the bench as Rayo beat Recreativo Huelva 3-2 in the first round of the Copa del Rey. Coach Benat San Jose chose Dani Cardenas to guard the goal, while Alemao was productive with two goals and Jorge de Frutos added one. Nevertheless, Audero has a strong chance of returning to the starting position when Rayo host Celta Vigo in La Liga on Saturday (31/10/2026) early morning WIB.

The rotation made by San Jose is a natural step in a cup competition, but it remains a signal that competition for Rayo's goalkeeper position is getting tighter. For Audero, the chance to return to the starting XI in the La Liga match is proof that he is still the first choice for domestic competition, while also keeping alive his chances of strengthening the Indonesia national team in upcoming international events.

Overall, the Indonesia national team overseas players update early this morning presented a diverse picture: some played full matches, some were rotated, and some were absent for non-technical reasons. For the Indonesia national team coach, this dynamic is important evaluation material in crafting strategy, especially ahead of qualification matches that demand prime fitness. The question is, can the overseas players maintain their rhythm and finish the season without injury, so that when called up to the national team they arrive in the best condition?