KBRN, Semarang: As Indonesia approaches a crucial match against Australia on March 20, 2025, the national team has received good news regarding their player force. The center defender, Mees Hilgers, was reported to be back for the national team.

Mees Hilgers, as reported by the club's official website, is said to have returned to training with FC Twente based in Netherland after a long absence due to injury.

Soccer observer M. Irfan said that Mees Hilgers' return would be a new hope for the Indonesian national team's defense. Furthermore, Mees suffered an injury while defending Twente in the Europa League match against Olympiacos on December 12, 2024.

“The joining of Mees Hilgers brings strength to the Indonesian national team against Australia. Mees' entry also brings hope in the national team defense,” said M. Irfan as quoted by rri.co.id on Thursday, January 23, 2025.

He said that with the potential return of Hilgers, Indonesia could strengthen their backline to withstand the onslaught of the home team. Coach Patrick Kluivert who has just taken over the coaching chair is also expected to bring an improvement in the game.

Mees' injury had ruled him out of six FC Twente matches, and the Indonesian national team's important international matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia in November 2024.

In the latest report, Hilgers has returned to training with FC Twente, giving great hope to the Indonesian national team who need full strength in defense to face Australia.

Although FC Twente has not shared details about his recovery, this news provided a breath of fresh air for the Indonesian national team. Moreover, the new Indonesian national team coach Patrick Kluivert, will make his debut in the match.

The Indonesia vs Australia match in Sydney will be a tough test for the Indonesian national team. Australia, who are 1 point ahead of Indonesia, have the advantage of playing at home.

The national team is now ranked third in Group C in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers for the Asian zone. With 6 points from 6 matches, Jay Idzes and his team are 1 point adrift of Australia who are ranked second. ***