Not Called Up by National Team Due to Injury, Malik Risaldi Strengthens Persebaya’s Ammunition

Surabaya, Todaysgist.com – After failing to be called up by the Indonesian National Team for the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone due to injury, Malik Risaldi can now rejoin Persebaya Surabaya.

Malik’s joining adds ammunition to the Green Force squad. His first appearance with the bajul ijo team against Persis Solo, Wednesday (18/9/2024), was evident. flashy and scored two goals against the opponent.

Malik admitted that he was happy with the two goals he scored. Because the match was his first appearance at the GBT Surabaya Stadium in Liga 1 after being injured for more than two weeks.

Alhamdulillah, I am happy because after my injury and this is the first time in League 1 I have played at the GBT Stadium, so it motivated me to score goals, because many spectators were watching,” said Malik Risaldi, Friday (20/9/2024).

He admitted that he had received motivation and input from Persebaya Surabaya coach, Paul Munster, so that he could return to playing and recover from injury. This motivation made him enthusiastic to be able to recover from injury.

“I am grateful that Coach Paul has motivated me and talked to me. I am also motivated to recover from my injury. Alhamdulillah, I was given two goals in a row during the match against Persis Solo,” added Malik.

Malik Risaldi’s return from injury turned out to be ammunition for the front line attack along with Flavio. Malik returned to the field when Persebaya visited Persita Tangerang.

Malik previously suffered a soleus muscle injury, and did not undergo surgery. He could not strengthen Persebaya until the third week of Liga 1. Even his dream of playing for the national team in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone was also gone.