Current Condition of Indonesian National Team Players Ahead of the Match Against Saudi Arabia, Will Eliano Reijnders Play?

Kapanlagi.com - The Indonesian national team is in intense preparation ahead of the crucial match against Saudi Arabia in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers for the Asian zone. This highly anticipated match will take place at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, on Tuesday (19/11/2024). After a disappointing result against Japan, the Garuda squad is expected to perform at their best to maintain hopes of advancing to the next round.

One name that has caught attention again is Eliano Reijnders. This naturalized player just made his debut in the match against Bahrain, but unfortunately, he has not had the opportunity to play in the last two matches. Many are wondering whether coach Shin Tae-yong will include Eliano in the lineup against Saudi Arabia, especially after the injury suffered by Kevin Diks.

Diks' injury gives Reijnders the opportunity to showcase his abilities. As a versatile player, Reijnders is considered capable of filling the position left by Diks. However, the final decision remains in the hands of coach Shin Tae-yong, who previously stated that Reijnders' quality has yet to meet expectations.

So, will we see Eliano Reijnders in action in tomorrow's match? Check out the interesting leaks summarized by Kapanlagi.com from various sources on Monday (18/11).

1. Eliano Reijnders Excluded from Indonesia National Team's Last Two Matches

Eliano Reijnders is facing a significant challenge after his rocky debut with the Indonesia National Team against Bahrain in October 2024. Following that, his name did not appear in the lineup against China and Japan, a decision revealed by coach Shin Tae-yong due to Reijnders' inability to demonstrate the expected performance.

Although he has the ability to play in various positions, the trust from the coach seems to be slipping away from him. The Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir, emphasized that this decision is entirely in the hands of the coach, but Reijnders' exclusion has sparked heated debate among supporters who are curious about the tactical reasons behind it. Many hope that Reijnders will soon be given the opportunity to prove his true talent on the field.

2. Shin Tae-yong and His Assessment of Eliano Reijnders

Indonesian national team coach, Shin Tae-yong, provided a clear explanation regarding the absence of Eliano Reijnders from the main squad. According to him, although Reijnders is known as a versatile player, his performance quality is not yet sufficient to compete with his teammates in the national team.

This assessment disappointed many fans who were hoping to see significant contributions from the young player. However, Shin emphasized that he will only select players who are ready and show their best performance on the field.

This decision has also drawn attention, especially after the unsatisfactory results achieved by the Indonesian national team in several recent matches, which has led many to hope for a change in strategy from the coach so that the team can bounce back.

3. Injury of Kevin Diks and Opportunity for Eliano Reijnders

The injury suffered by Kevin Diks during the match against Japan has opened up a fresh opportunity for Eliano Reijnders to shine in the match against Saudi Arabia. Diks had to be substituted early due to the injury, leaving his position in great uncertainty.

However, Reijnders, who is known for his flexibility and ability to fill various positions, is considered an ideal replacement to take over the right-back position left vacant by Diks.

His presence on the field will not only strengthen the defense but also add to the attacking power of the Indonesian national team. Although the opportunity is wide open, Reijnders still has to wait for the final decision from coach Shin Tae-yong regarding the lineup that will be deployed.

4. The Potential Lineup of the Indonesian National Team Against Saudi Arabia: Will Eliano Reijnders Play?

The absence of Kevin Diks has sparked various speculations regarding who will fill the right-back position when the Indonesian National Team faces Saudi Arabia. Sandy Walsh is one of the strongest candidates favored by coach Shin Tae-yong, especially after he performed well in place of Diks, who was injured during the match against Japan.

However, let’s not forget Eliano Reijnders, who also has the potential to fill that position. With his ability to play in various roles, Reijnders could provide the flexibility needed in the game strategy.

All decisions, of course, rest in the hands of Shin Tae-yong, and fans are expected to be patient while waiting for the final decision. This change in the lineup will be crucial for the Indonesian National Team to rise to the challenge against Saudi Arabia, especially after the painful loss to Japan.

5. Will Eliano Reijnders play against Saudi Arabia?

Although there is no certainty yet, the injury suffered by Kevin Diks opens up a wide opportunity for Reijnders to take the field, and this could be a valuable moment for him to showcase his abilities.

6. Why has Shin Tae-yong not fielded Eliano Reijnders?

Shin Tae-yong revealed that Reijnders' performance has not yet met the expectations he desires as a coach.

7. Who is likely to fill the right-back position for the Indonesian National Team?

Sandy Walsh and Eliano Reijnders are now in tight competition as the two most promising stars to fill that strategic position, adding spice to the increasingly heated competition in the world of football!

8. How is the performance of the Indonesian National Team in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

Currently, the Indonesian National Team is struggling at the bottom of Group C, having collected only three points from five matches played. Despite the heavy challenges ahead, the fighting spirit of the players remains ablaze to achieve victory in the remaining matches!

(kpl/rmt)