Kevin Diks May Be Absent from Defending the Indonesian National Team Against Saudi Arabia

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir said that the Indonesian national team defender, Kevin Diks, will most likely not play in the match against Saudi Arabia in the third round of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the Asian zone. The match is scheduled to take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, Tuesday (19/11) at 19.00 WIB.

Kevin suffered an injury when he made his debut against Japan, Friday (15/11/2024). The match ended in a 0-4 defeat for Indonesia. The injury incident occurred when Kevin, who plays for the Copenhagen club, collided with Wataru Endo in the 36th minute.

The 28 year old defender had to be replaced by Sandy Walsh in the 41st minute. After the match, Kevin was seen leaving the stadium with a bandaged left knee.

“(Kevin) is injured, it looks like he can’t play,” said Erick Thohir when met by journalists at SUGBK, Monday (18/11/2024).

Meanwhile, the manager of the Indonesian National Team, Sumardji, also confirmed that Kevin was the only player who was not fit ahead of the match against Saudi Arabia.

In the training session held at the GBK Madya Stadium the day before, of the 27 players called by coach Shin Tae-yong, Kevin was the only one who was not present.

“The general condition of the team is quite good. However, for Kevin Diks, his injury is still not getting better. We continue to try to restore its condition. “The team of doctors will see the progress today or tomorrow,” said Sumardji.