Duric, Isa to miss Philippines clash
Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic has confirmed he will be without veteran striker Aleksandar Duric and midfielder Isa Halim for Friday's friendly against Philippines.
By Gabriel Tan
The Lions resume their preparations for November's AFF Suzuki Cup at the Jurong West Stadium, but it looks as though they will have to do without Tampines Rovers striker Duric and LIONSXII anchorman Isa, who have been ruled out alongside Juma'at Jantan.
"A few things have been obstructing our preparations," Avramovic said in Thursday's pre-match press conference. "A number of players have picked up injuries and illnesses.
"Juma'at, Isa and Duric will all not play. I've never liked my players playing half-fit and I want them to recover fully before our next round of friendlies."
One player that looks set to take to the field against the Azkals is captain Shahril Ishak, who recently recovered from injury, although it is unlikely he will play the full 90 minutes.
"Shahril is also one player that isn't fully fit, but I'm hoping he will use his experience to get at least 45 minutes tomorrow [Friday]."
There are also fitness doubts over LIONSXII duo Yasir Hanapi and Khairul Amri, who did some light jogging with Juma'at and Isa at training on Thursday evening.