Indonesia Faces Defensive Challenge as Captain Jay Idzes Ruled Out

Idzes announced on Friday, September 18, 2026, that he would be unavailable for Indonesia's upcoming international fixtures as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury sustained while playing for Italian club Sassuolo.

"Unfortunately, I won't be able to join the team for this international break due to injury," Idzes wrote on his official Instagram account, on Friday.

The 26-year-old defender expressed disappointment at being sidelined once again, particularly after also missing Indonesia's previous international window because of injury.

"It hurts me to be absent for such a long time, especially because I was really looking forward to being back with Timnas after already having to miss the last international break due to injury," he added.

Idzes emphasized his commitment to the national team and said his priority is now to make a full recovery before returning to action.

"Representing Indonesia means a lot to me, and not being able to be there with the team and all of you is difficult. Right now, my focus has to be on recovering fully and doing everything I can to come back strong and ready," he said.

Although unable to participate, Idzes pledged to continue supporting the team throughout the tournament. "Even though I can't be there, I'll be supporting the team every step of the way. Let's come together as one, get behind the team and give them all our support," he added.

The injury occurred during Sassuolo's 3-2 victory over Juventus in Serie A on September 14. Idzes played 80 minutes before being substituted for Duje Caleta-Car after suffering a problem with his left thigh.

His recovery is expected to take between six and eight weeks, extending an absence that has already kept him out of several national team matches.

The last time Idzes represented Indonesia was in late March 2026. Since then, he has missed all international fixtures, including friendlies against Oman and Mozambique in June. According to Idzes, he remains determined to return to full fitness as soon as possible.

"I will do everything I can to come back stronger and ready," he said.

Indonesia will compete in the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 from September 24 to October 5. Matches in Division 1 will be played at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium in Central Jakarta and Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, West Java.

Coached by John Herdman, Indonesia has been drawn in Group A alongside Singapore, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. Group B consists of Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, and the Philippines, with matches taking place in Bandung.

Indonesia will begin its campaign against Singapore on September 25, followed by Malaysia on September 28 and Bangladesh on October 1.

The tournament's Division 2 competition will be held in Hong Kong and feature six teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Hong Kong, Laos, and Brunei Darussalam, while Group B consists of Cambodia, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste.

With Idzes unavailable, Indonesia's focus will now shift to how the squad adapts defensively as it pursues success in the regional tournament. ***