PETALING JAYA: Just when Terengganu thought their injury list could not get any longer, a fresh blow has forced coach Badrul Afzan Razali back to the drawing board.
The east coast side, already without French striker Yann Mabella, must now navigate the next two weeks without promising young defender Safwan Mazlan.
The absence of Safwan has triggered an urgent reassessment of the backline ahead of their Super League clash with Negri Sembilan at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.
Safwan, who picked up an ankle injury last week, adds to Terengganu’s growing concerns as they chase a vital win to strengthen their hold on fourth place.
Yet Badrul remains calm despite the mounting pressure.
“The pressure is always there in every match for us, no matter who we face – especially now that I’ve lost Mabella and, most recently, Safwan,” he said.
“I’ve observed several players who can step in for him, but I haven’t made a decision yet. We’ll see over the next few days.”
Among the names being considered are Alif Zakaria and Hairiey Hakim, both capable fullbacks who may be called upon to fill the void.
“For now, our full focus is on this game.
“Hopefully, we can get a positive result to give the team an extra boost of motivation.”
