Mees Hilgers Injured, Kevin Diks Confirmed to Strengthen Indonesian National Team Against Japan

Kapanlagi.com - The Indonesian national team is preparing to face two crucial matches in Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia. The matches are scheduled to take place on November 15 and 19, 2024, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta.

Coach Shin Tae-yong has called up 27 players to strengthen the squad, but the list has changed due to the absence of several key players, including main defender Mees Hilgers due to injury.

1. The Reason Mees Hilgers Withdraws from the Indonesian National Team

credit: https://www.instagram.com/meeshilgerss/

Mees Hilgers suffered an injury while playing for his club, Twente, in an Eredivisie match against Willem II on November 2, 2024. Hilgers had to be substituted in the first half and missed the Europa League match against Nice.

Ultimately, the injury flared up again when Twente faced Ajax Amsterdam on November 10, 2024. As a result, Mees Hilgers is confirmed to miss an important match for the Indonesian national team.

2. Kevin Diks Ready to Play Against Japan

credit: https://www.instagram.com/kevindiks2/

The loss of Mees Hilgers in the defense poses a new challenge for Shin Tae-yong. However, good news comes with the readiness of Kevin Diks, who has completed the naturalization and administrative process. Kevin Diks, an experienced defender from FC Copenhagen, is confirmed to be ready to represent the Indonesian national team against Japan.

"Alhamdulillah Kevin Diks is finally confirmed to be able to play for the Indonesian national team when the Garuda Squad hosts Japan on November 15, 2024," said Erick Thohir, Chairman of PSSI.

3. Latest Indonesia National Team Player List

credit: https://www.instagram.com/jayidzes/

• Goalkeeper: Maarten Paes (FC Dallas), Nadeo Argawinata (Borneo FC), M. Riyandi (Persis Solo)
• Defenders: Jay Idzes (Venezia), Jordi Amat (JDT), Kevin Diks (FC Copenhagen), Rizky Ridho (Persija), Muhammad Ferarri (Persija), Justin Hubner (Wolves U-21), Calvin Verdonk (NEC Nijmegen), Pratama Arhan (Suwon FC), Shayne Pattynama (KAS Eupen), Sandy Walsh (KV Mechelen), Yance Sayuri (Malut United), Yakob Sayuri (Malut United)
• Midfielders: Thom Haye (Almere City), Nathan Tjoe-A-On (Swansea City), Ivar Jenner (FC Utrecht)*, Ricky Kambuaya (Dewa United), Marselino Ferdinan (Oxford United)
• Forwards: Ragnar Oratmangoen (FCV Dender), Witan Sulaeman (Persija), Egy Maulana (Dewa United), Rafael Struick (Brisbane Roar), Hokky Caraka (PSS), Eliano Reijnders (PEC Zwolle), Ramadhan Sananta (Persis Solo)

*Note: Ivar Jenner missed the match against Japan due to accumulated yellow cards.

4. What is the main reason Mees Hilgers is absent from the Indonesian national team?

Mees Hilgers is absent due to an injury he sustained while playing for Twente in the Eredivisie.

5. Who is Mees Hilgers' replacement in the Indonesian national team?

Kevin Diks, who has completed the naturalization process, is confirmed to be ready to replace Mees Hilgers.

6. When does the Indonesian national team face Japan in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?

The match against Japan is scheduled for November 15, 2024, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

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(kpl/vna)