The Absence of Witan Sulaeman and Rizki Ridho from National Team Training Camp Explained by Persija Jakarta Coach

The nonattendance of two Persija Jakarta players, Witan Sulaeman and Rizki Ridho, from the Indonesian national team training camp has sparked interest. Despite the commencement of the training camp on June 5, the two players have yet to join, prompting Persija coach Thomas Doll to offer an explanation.

According to Thomas Doll, Witan and Ridho have been preoccupied with a FIFA Matchday schedule, limiting their availability to participate in the national team training camp. He indicated that the two players may potentially join the camp following their upcoming match against Argentina. In the interim, he recommended that they continue training in Sawangan with others to engage in tactical and physical training sessions. This is particularly important for Ridho, who must acclimate to his new environment.

The coach also underscored the invaluable experience that Indonesian national team players will garner from their match against Argentina on FIFA Matchday. Consequently, he expressed his intention to release his players to join the national team camp in the near future.

The ongoing training camp is taking place in Surabaya, with the recent arrival of Elkan Baggott and the participation of 15 other players who have already commenced training. These players encompass Sandy Walsh, Andy Setyo, Rafael Struick, Ivar Jenner, Syahrul Trisna, Dendy Sulistyawan, Fachruddin Aryanto, Dimas Drajad, Stefano Lilipaly, Ernando Ari, Marselino Ferdinand, Ricky Kambuaya, Rachmat Irianto, Marc Klok, and Edo Febriansyah.

Looking ahead to the June edition of the FIFA Matchday, the national team is slated to compete in two matches against Palestine and Argentina. The first match will transpire on June 14 in Surabaya, while the second match against Argentina will occur on June 19 in Jakarta.

As the training camp progresses and the national team prepares for their upcoming matches, the explanation by their club coach regarding the absence of Witan Sulaeman and Rizki Ridho from the camp has been elucidated. It remains to be determined if and when they will be able to join their national team counterparts as they continue to navigate their scheduling conflicts.