Indonesian captain Bambang Bayu Saptaji has opted out of the Indonesian national squad ahead of the AFF Futsal Championship next month due to injuries.
The long-serving inspiration of the Indonesian national side has been struggling with a thigh injury for quite some time and with it not showing any sign of improving, has pushed the 27-year-old to withdraw.
Bayu has been advised by the doctors to take time off for at least between six to twelve weeks – with Indonesian head coach Kensuke Takahashi in full agreement.
Kensuke had earlier cut two players – Sauqy Saud and Muhammad Nizar – from the Indonesia national side after Indonesia’s runners-up finish at the MNC Futsal Championship 2019 last week at GOR UNY Yogyakarta.
For the AFF Futsal Championship 2019, Indonesia are in Group B against hosts Vietnam, Malaysia and Australia.
Group A are Thailand, Myanmar, Timor Leste and Cambodia.
