Realitarakyat.com – Central defender Elkan Baggott is ready to defend the Indonesian national team after recovering from a head injury that prevented him from appearing at the 2021 SEA Games, Vietnam.
“My condition is better and I can’t wait to play and help the national team,” said Elkan, in Jakarta, Thursday (26/5/2022).
The 19-year-old footballer said he suffered a head injury while at his club, Ipswich Town.
This situation made the coach at the club worried and asked him not to go to Vietnam. Without Elkan at the 2021 SEA Games, Indonesia won a bronze medal.
But now, Elkan is in good condition and has the opportunity to play in the FIFA friendly match against Bangladesh, Wednesday (1/6/2022), at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, Bandung.
The 1.94 meter tall player also promised to give his best for the victory of the “Garuda” squad.
“We prepare ourselves as best as we can for the match against Bangladesh. We have to win that match, give maximum performance and push ourselves to be better,” said Elkan.
Meanwhile, the coach of the Indonesian national team, Shin Tae-yong, said he was happy that Elkan could return with his squad after missing the 2021 SEA Games.
According to Shin, Elkan can add to the quality of the national team, both in the match against Bangladesh and the 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
“Elkan will continue to be with the team until the completion of the 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers because that is FIFA’s official agenda,” Shin said.
The match against Bangladesh is part of the preparation of the Indonesian national team towards the 2023 Asian Cup Qualification which will be held on 8-14 June 2022 in Kuwait. (ndi)
