Persija Jakarta recently released an update regarding their newly acquired foreign striker, Gustavo Almeida, who sustained an injury during his debut match against Bhayangkara FC on November 27, 2023. Regrettably, due to this setback, Almeida will be on the sidelines until February 2024.
The prospect of having Almeida join the team initially generated excitement among both the team and fans. Nonetheless, head coach Thomas Doll conveyed his disappointment with the player’s current predicament during a press conference at Patriot Chandrabhaga Stadium in Bekasi on December 15, 2023.
Although Almeida is making strides in his recovery, he will not be able to participate in the upcoming match against PSS Sleman on Sunday, December 16, 2023. Instead, he is expected to reunite with the team for full participation in February 2024, with preparations slated to commence in January.
In spite of Almeida’s absence, Coach Doll remains steadfast in his commitment to maintaining a formidable lineup. He acknowledged the challenge of being without Almeida’s striking prowess but expressed confidence in the team’s capacity to adapt and make necessary adjustments.
Looking forward, Doll underscored the significance of reinforcing other areas of the team to compensate for Almeida’s temporary absence. Specifically, he hinted at the possibility of a shift in focus towards shoring up the defense, drawing from past experiences in similar circumstances.
As the team readies itself for upcoming matches, they are dedicated to surmounting this obstacle and persevering towards success on the field.
It is evident that Almeida’s setback is disheartening for the team, but with a strategic approach and a resilient mindset, Persija Jakarta aims to maximize the situation and emerge even stronger when Almeida makes his eagerly awaited return in February 2024.
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