Natxo Insa (left) in action.
PETALING JAYA: Natxo Insa’s fitness status remains a question mark as the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) midfielder has yet to join the centralised squad in Johor Baru.
Four days after saying that all the 27 players had reported for duty, national coach Peter Cklamovski admitted that the 38-year-old midfielder could not join the training full time.
Although a veteran in the game, Natxo was surprisingly picked to be part of the team to prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Nepal at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Thursday.
He is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a thigh injury.
Cklamovski answered questions over his absence stating that they were monitoring his status and hoped he could make the team.
“He has not trained with us but he is on an individual rehabilitation plan.
‘‘We will make a decision later if he can join for team training,” said the Australian.
“He is looking after his body because of his heavy schedule with JDT. We will assess it.
“If he is available, that would be great. Then he becomes part of the squad and connects with everybody. We all want that.”
Even JDT winger Arif Aiman Hanapi has not joined full training but the 22-year-old has been monitored by the national team medical staff and Cklamovski expects him to start today.
Cklamovski had given his thumbs up to the commitment and intensity shown by the players at the JDT Training Centre.
“We have progressed everyday in every aspect. The commitment and desire from the players is inspiring and drives me on as a coach,” he added.
