Ole Romeny Out of FIFA Matchday, a Positive Signal Ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup

Indonesia national team striker Ole Romeny is confirmed to be unavailable for the Garuda Squad at the November 2026 FIFA Matchday. The ankle injury he sustained flared up again while he was playing for his club, Fortuna Sittard, in the Eredivisie against Excelsior on 25 October 2026. The news was conveyed by Special Staff to the Minister of Law of the Republic of Indonesia, Noor Korompot, via the Instagram account @noorkorompotalks, Sunday (1/11/2026) night WIB.

Even so, there is a glimmer of hope for the national football public. According to information gathered by Korompot, the 25-year-old player does not need a particularly long recovery period. "The latest news I received is that Romeny can recover within a matter of months," he said. As such, he has a strong chance of rejoining the national team during preparations for the 2027 Asian Cup, which is scheduled to take place from January to February next year.

Romeny's absence from the friendly against Jordan is a blow in itself to Indonesia's front line. Since his debut, he has collected seven goals from 14 appearances with the Garuda Squad. That record places him among the most productive strikers in the current coaching era. His absence at FIFA Matchday will reduce attacking options, especially since Jordan is known for its disciplined defense.

The traces of Romeny's injury had actually been visible since the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup final against Thailand in early October. After leading Indonesia to the title, he had to step aside and missed two club matches against FC Twente and NEC Nijmegen. The chance for a comeback finally came as a second-half substitute against Excelsior. However, that 45-minute appearance instead triggered the same injury again.

"Unfortunately, my ankle injury is worse than it previously appeared. I will do anything to be able to return soon. Keep the spirit!" Romeny wrote via Instagram Story, Wednesday (28/10/2026).

Although brief, Romeny's contribution to the 1-0 win over Excelsior was still felt. His movement in a counter-attacking situation beat the offside trap and produced a shot that was parried by the opposing goalkeeper, resulting in a corner. From that set piece, Rodrigo Guth scored the winning goal with a header after a pass from Mohammed Ihattaren. The statistics show Romeny is still sharp, but his physical condition has not fully recovered.

For the Indonesia national team, Romeny's absence at the November FIFA Matchday is not merely the loss of one player. The match against Jordan is in fact an important testing ground to sharpen the front line's chemistry ahead of the Asian Cup. The coach will be forced to find an alternative formula, perhaps by giving a young striker a chance or changing the attacking scheme. On the other hand, Fortuna Sittard is also disadvantaged by losing a player who was beginning to find his rhythm after a long injury.

The positive news is that the relatively short estimated recovery time means Romeny still has a chance to play in the 2027 Asian Cup. The tournament is a stage for Indonesia to prove itself against tough opponents at the continental level. If Romeny returns to fitness in time, he could be a difference-maker up front. However, workload management needs attention given that the same ankle injury has flared up twice in close succession.

The question is whether the medical team and the coach can manage Romeny's condition more carefully. Forcing a player back too soon risks triggering a more serious injury. The public certainly hopes Romeny returns in prime condition, not merely present at the Asian Cup without maximum contribution.