Aidil Zafuan's timely return to boost defence

Defender Aidil Zafuan Abd Radzak has made a timely return from injury ahead of Thursday's World Cup Qualifier return leg against Singapore.

 

Aidil Zafuan, who aggravated his ankle injury before last weekend's 5-3 first leg defeat to Singapore, went through training with ease at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday.

"I am happy to be back in training. My ankle did not give me any problems. I guess I am ready to play on Thursday," said Aidil.

"I picked up the injury in the match against Arsenal but recovered in time for the first leg in Singapore. However, I was advised to rest after aggravating it during training last Friday."

Aidil Zafuan's return is timely as coach K. Rajagobal needs an experienced player in defence, especially in the centre.

If all goes well, the Negri Sembilan player, who is also a free kick specialist, will replace centreback Muslim Ahmad on Thursday.

Aidil Zafuan is also a candidate, besides Safee Sali, to stand in as captain in the absence of suspended Safiq Rahim. If he plays, the former national captain will likely be given the task of shackling Singapore striker Aleksandar Duric.

"I've played against Duric many times before. He uses his strength and height to create opportunities for himself in the penalty box. We need to be careful when he gets the ball," said Aidil Zafuan, who also pledged not to allow Singapore to score goals in the return leg.