Indonesian team received bad news right before the decisive battle with China

(Dan Tri) - The Indonesian team received bad news right before the two decisive matches with China and Japan when important midfielder Eliano Reijnders could not participate due to personal reasons.

The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has just confirmed that midfielder Eliano Reijnders will not participate in the national team's training session to prepare for two important matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia, against China and Japan, due to family reasons.

Eliano Reijnders will not be able to play in the decisive matches against China and Japan (Photo: Getty).

Initially, Eliano Reijnders was on the list of players called up by coach Patrick Kluivert. However, in the first days of the training camp in Bali, which started on May 26, the 24-year-old player was absent. That raised many questions from experts and fans.

It was not until May 29 that PSSI made an official announcement, explaining that Eliano had chosen to stay in Europe to accompany his wife, who was preparing to give birth to their first child.

According to the announcement posted on Kita Garuda, Coach Kluivert directly contacted and talked with Eliano to understand the situation. The Dutch strategist completely respects and supports his student's decision.

Coach Kluiver emphasized: “When the family needs it, it is always the top priority. We fully support Eliano Reijnders to accompany his wife in this sacred moment.”

Despite losing an important player in midfield, coach Kluivert still expressed confidence in the current strength of the Indonesian team: "The coaching staff has made appropriate adjustments. I am still optimistic about the strength of the squad that will represent Indonesia in the next two matches."

For his part, Eliano expressed his deep gratitude to PSSI, the coaching staff and Indonesian fans for their sympathy and support.

Eliano is an important factor for Indonesia (Photo: Getty).

“I am really grateful for everyone's understanding. Hopefully the team will give their best and get good results in the June matches,” Eliano shared.

Indonesia is currently ranked 4th in Group C of the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia, with 7 points after 8 matches. They are 4 points behind second-placed Australia and 3 points behind third-placed Saudi Arabia. This means that the final two matches against China (June 5) and Japan (June 10) will be decisive for Garuda's fate in the World Cup qualifiers.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/tuyen-indonesia-nhan-tin-du-ngay-truoc-tran-chien-quyet-dinh-voi-trung-quoc-20250530091943003.htm