Six Key Absentees as Indonesia Prepares for Crucial Clash with China

Jakarta. Ahead of the crucial match against China in Group C of the third round of the 2026 AFC World Cup Qualifiers, the Indonesian National Team will be without six key players.
The absence of these six players is a blow for the Indonesian National Team, which is fighting to secure its position in the standings.
The Indonesian National Team players confirmed to miss the match are:
-
Marselino Ferdinan – Suspension due to Yellow Card Accumulation
Marselino Ferdinan is one of the players ruled out due to yellow card accumulation. The Oxford United midfielder had previously performed impressively and was the creative engine of the Garuda squad. His absence will surely reduce the team's creativity in midfield when facing China. -
Maarten Paes – Suspension due to Yellow Card Accumulation
Similar to Marselino, Maarten Paes is also unavailable due to card accumulation. The first-choice goalkeeper has been solid in recent matches. In his place, Emil Audero is expected to make his debut as Indonesia’s main goalkeeper. -
Ragnar Oratmangoen – Injury
Ragnar Oratmangoen, a key striker for the Garuda squad, is confirmed to be out due to injury. He is currently undergoing recovery and will miss both the China match and the game against Japan on June 10, 2025. -
Eliano Reijnders – Personal Reasons
Unlike the others, Eliano Reijnders will miss the match due to personal reasons. He chose to be with his wife for the birth of their child. While unexpected, the decision is respected by the coaching staff and team management. -
Septian Bagaskara – Injury
Septian Bagaskara, a striker from Dewa United, was initially called up. However, due to injury, he had to be replaced by Beckham Putra, who is now officially part of the squad for the match against China. -
Sandy Walsh – Injury
The last confirmed absentee is Sandy Walsh. The defender from Yokohama F. Marinos sustained an injury while playing for his club. PSSI officially announced that Sandy will not feature in the matches against China and Japan.
Previously, coach Patrick Kluivert had called up 32 players for a training camp in Bali starting May 26. The Indonesian National Team is scheduled to face China at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on June 5 at 8:45 p.m., and will travel to Japan for a match on June 10 at 5:35 p.m.
Despite the absence of six players, Indonesia still boasts a promising squad depth. Several players like Emil Audero, Beckham Putra, and Stefano Lilipaly are ready to step in. Coach Patrick Kluivert is believed to have prepared a solid strategy to keep the team competitive.
Squad List:
-
Goalkeepers: Ernando Ari, Reza Arya, Emil Audero, Nadeo Argawinata
-
Defenders: Jay Idzes, Justin Hubner, Jordi Amat, Mees Hilgers, Rizky Ridho
-
Midfielders: Thom Haye, Ricky Kambuaya, Ivar Jenner, Joey Pelupessy, Nathan Tjoe A On, Beckham Putra Nugraha
-
Wingers: Yance Sayuri, Shayne Pattynama, Pratama Arhan, Calvin Verdonk, Dean James, Kevin Diks, Yakob Sayuri, Asnawi Mangkualam
-
Forwards: Ramadhan Sananta, Ole Romeny, Stefano Lilipaly, Rafael Struick, Egy Maulana Vikri
With 28 players ready to compete, Indonesia still has a strong chance of achieving a positive result, especially with the full support of fans at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.
The absence of six key players certainly poses a challenge for the Indonesian National Team in their World Cup qualification journey. However, it also serves as an opportunity for other players to step up and prove themselves.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
World Cup 2026: Indonesia Takes on Japan as AFC Faces Neutrality Scrutiny
Indonesia faces Japan in their final Group C match Tuesday, with both teams through, but AFC’s venue decisions are stirring controversy.Watch Indonesia vs Japan for Free at Gelora Bung Karno – Join the Crowd!
Indonesia advanced to the playoffs after finishing in the top four of the group despite still having another match to play.Prabowo Gifts Rolex Watches to Indonesia Football Stars After China Win
President Prabowo rewarded the Indonesian national team with Rolex watches after their 1-0 win over China in the World Cup qualifiers.Prabowo Hosts Indonesia National Team After Historic Win Over China
President Prabowo hosted the Indonesian national team after their 1-0 win over China, celebrating with lunch, songs, and shared pride.Six Key Absentees as Indonesia Prepares for Crucial Clash with China
Maarten Paes is also unavailable due to card accumulation. The first-choice goalkeeper has been solid in recent matches.U-23 Asian Cup Qualification: Indonesia in the Same Group as South Korea
Group J is predicted to be one of the most competitive groups. South Korea, the 2020 champions, are the top seed.U-17 World Cup: Indonesia Drawn with Brazil in Group Stage
The Indonesian U-17 national team, will kick off their campaign in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup on November 4 in Qatar against Zambia.How to Get Tickets for Indonesia vs China: Garuda ID Now Mandatory
Watch Indonesia take on China in a key World Cup qualifier on June 5. Tickets now on sale; Garuda ID required for entry.World Cup Qualifiers: Indonesia Defeats Bahrain 1-0 to Keep World Cup Hopes Alive
Ole Romeny’s first-half goal sealed Indonesia’s 1-0 win over Bahrain in World Cup qualifying, keeping them in fourth place in Group C.Fans Rally as Indonesia Prepares for Bahrain Clash at GBK
Indonesia takes on Bahrain in a crucial 2026 World Cup Qualifier at GBK Stadium. Can the Garuda squad secure a vital win at home?The Latest
NBA Finals 2025: Thunder Rally Past Pacers Behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s Fourth-Quarter Surge
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 15 in the fourth to lift Thunder past Pacers 111-104, tying the NBA Finals at 2-2 heading to Game 5.Iran Hits Israel With Missile Salvo Following Assault on Nuclear Sites
Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear and military sites, wounding dozens.Indonesia Introduces AI and Coding to 59,000 Schools Nationwide
Indonesia rolls out AI and coding as elective subjects in 59,000 schools, aiming to prepare students for the digital future."I Realized I Was Alive": Survivor Speaks After Air India Dreamliner Crash
A lone survivor recounts escaping the Air India crash that killed 241 people. Investigators recover the black box as probe intensifies.Dental Issues Top List in Indonesia’s Mass Health Screenings, Minister Says
Indonesia’s free health check program finds dental issues most common, ahead of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, health minister says.Most Popular
