Striker Norshahrul Idlan out of Singapore match

Malaysian coach Datuk K. Rajagopal have left main striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha from the squad for the Asia Zone World Cup second round, first leg qualifying match against Singapore at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday.

Besides the Kelantan striker, Rajagopal also dropped defender Mohd Farisham Ismail, midfielder S. Chanturu, and striker Shahrizal Saad.

Norsharul, who aggravated his hamstring injury against Arsenal in a friendly last week, is also unlikely to make the second leg in Kuala Lumpur on July 28. Shakir, Chanturu and Shahrizal failed to impress in the team’s friendlies against Arsenal and Liverpool.

With Norshahrul out, talismanic Safee Sali and Ahmad Fakri Sharani will lead Malaysia’s attack.

“We have to leave Norshahrul behind as we don’t want to take a risk,” said Rajagopal.

The team will leave for Singapore today.

The team
Goalkeepers: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Mohd Sharbinee Allawee, Mohd Nasril Mat Nourdin.
Defenders: Mahali Jasuli, Mohd Asruddin Putra Omar, Mohd Muslim Ahmad, Mohd Fadhli Mohd Shas, Mohamad Aidil Zafuan, Helmi Remeli, Mohd Rizal Fahmi Ab. Rosid, Mohamad Azmi Muslim.
Midfielders: Safiq Rahim, Ismail Faruqi Ashari, Amar Rohidan, Baddrol Bakhtiar, K. Gurusamy, S. Kunalan, Mohamad Ashari Samsudin, Mohd Amirulhadi Zainal, Mohd Shakir Shaari.
Strikers: Safee Sali, Ahmad Fakri Shaarani, Abdul Hadi Yahaya, Izzaq Faris Ramlan.