LionsXII first choice goalkeeper faces six weeks on sidelines

Source From Today

SINGAPORE - The already crowded LionsXII treatment room has got just a little more congested.

First choice goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud is the latest player to join six others - Khairul Amri, Baihakki Khaizan, Agu Casmir, Juma'at Jantan, Shaiful Esah and Shahir Hamzah - on coach V Sundramoorthy's growing injury list.

The 21-year-old injured his left knee after landing awkwardly in training on Monday, and while scans yesterday revealed that there was no ligament injury, meniscus damage means Izwan could spend up to six weeks on the sidelines.

Izwan will for certain miss Malaysian Super League (MSL) fixtures against Sarawak (Saturday) and Selangor (Tuesday), and while there is hope that he could return in as quickly as three weeks, he is set to miss the two-leg FA Cup quarter-final against Terengganu on March 24 and 27 as well another MSL fixture against T-Team on March 31.

"I'm very disappointed to get injured, but this is part and parcel of football, and I'm just glad there was no ligament damage. There's really nothing to do but focus on my rehabilitation," Izwan told Today.

Hyrulnizam Juma'at will deputise in Izwan's absence over the five-match period, and LionsXII goalkeeper coach Lee Bee Seng is confident the former SAFFC custodian will do well.

"While Izwan kicks better, Hyrulnizam's advantage is that he's a very focused goalkeeper. We are lucky to have two good keepers in the team," said Lee.

"Hyrulnizam told me he was dreaming of playing against Selangor, and was confident enough to ask me to play him. It looks like he will get his wish."