Marselino was on the 23-player roster for Indonesia at SEA Games 33. He was expected to join the squad on 3/12, but plans changed due to the injury.

"Marselino suffered a hamstring injury and needs at least 10 days to recover", team manager Sumardji stated. "His Slovakian club Trencin decided to retain the player".

Marselino (center) celebrates during Indonesia's 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the sixth round of Group C, third qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup - Asia region. *Timnas Indonesia*

Coach Indra Sjafri decided to call up Rifqi Ray Farandi as a replacement. The midfielder, who plays for Persik Kediri, then flew to Chiangmai city in Thailand to join the squad.

Marselino is considered one of the brightest young talents from the archipelago nation. He was a key player when Indonesia won the SEA Games 32 gold medal in Cambodia and reached the semifinals of the U23 Asia Cup 2024. This attacking midfielder also broke into the national team lineup, which features many Dutch-heritage players, and made his mark with a brace in the 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the third qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup.

"Without Marselino, coach Sjafri will face a challenge in finding a balanced squad", CNN Indonesia commented. "Marselino is a versatile player capable of playing multiple attacking roles".

Marselino Ferdinan (in white) opened the scoring for Indonesia in their 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. *Bola*

However, Marselino's absence might not be a significant blow for Indonesia, as the midfielder, born in 2004, has shown signs of stagnation, even a decline, recently. Since 2022, he has moved to Belgium, England, and then Slovakia, but has only played 12 matches and scored one goal.

Besides Marselino, Indonesia has most of its key players, including Dutch-heritage players: defender Dion Markx, midfielder Ivar Jenner, and forwards Rafael Struick, Jens Raven, and Mauro Zijlstra. This made coach Sjafri very grateful for the support from the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and the clubs, as the SEA Games do not fall within FIFA international match days.

In the men's football tournament, Indonesia is in Group C, scheduled to face the Philippines on 8/12 and Myanmar on 12/12. The matches will take place at the 700th Anniversary Chiangmai Stadium. To advance to the semifinals, Indonesia must finish first in their group or be one of the best-performing second-place teams.

Indonesian Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir announced the U22 team's goal was a silver medal. However, coach Sjafri and his team are aiming for gold.

Hieu Luong