STY Confirms It Will Not Call Defender Elkan Baggott

Jakarta, Todaysgist.com – Indonesian National Team Coach, Shin Tae-yong (STY), stated that Elkan Baggott will not be called up to strengthen his squad in the two third round 2026 World Cup qualifying matches in the Asian zone against Saudi Arabia and Australia in September 2024.

When met while watching the Indonesian League 1 match between Malut United and Persebaya Surabaya at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium, Jakarta, Friday (16/8/2024), STY just shook his head when asked if there was a chance for Elkan to rejoin the National Team in the match against Saudi Arabia and Australia.

“There is no chance of being called up for the match in September,” said STY.

If Elkan is not called up, the 21-year-old defender will be absent for the sixth time in a row with the senior team.

Elkan’s absence from the senior national team began in March due to injury when Indonesia won two matches against Vietnam in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone. Elkan was also absent from the two final matches against Iraq and the Philippines in June.

His absence had sparked a public uproar, with people suspecting there was tension between Elkan and STY after he failed to fulfill the call to strengthen the Indonesian U-23 National Team against Guinea U-23 in France last May.

This season, after spending half a season on loan with third division club Bristol Rovers, Elkan was loaned out again by his club, Ipswich Town. This time, he was loaned to Blackpool, who also plays in the same division, for a full season.

Elkan has made one appearance for Blackpool, playing 65 minutes in their 4-0 League Cup win over Burton Albion on Tuesday (13/8/2024).

Apart from Elkan, STY also revealed that Malik Risaldi will not be included in his squad this time because the player is currently injured.

“This time he will not be selected. Actually, it was planned to be called, but he has an injury, a torn calf, and currently cannot even train,” concluded STY.