Juma'at's injury another blow to Lion's depleted defence

Source

KUALA LUMPUR - There was bite in attack and menace in the midfield, but against Malaysia last Saturday, the Lions showed a distinct feebleness in their new-look backline that will be put through yet another stern test tomorrow.

Singapore take a 5-3 lead into the second leg of the second round FIFA World Cup qualifier to the Bukit Jalil Stadium, but are likely to depend on a different set of players to protect that two-goal cushion.

The good news from the Lions' camp is that goalkeeper Lionel Lewis looked comfortable in training and is itching to get between the sticks against Malaysia. But having lost right fullback Ismail Yunos to suspension, Radojko Avramovic may have to do without left fullback Juma'at Jantan as well.

"I'm still in pain. (On Monday) I only did some slow walking, and some stretching today … and now I'm trying to see if I can jog. We'll see if I can kick a ball, but to be honest, I'm still a little scared to kick," Juma'at told Today.

The 27-year-old hurt his right knee after reaching for a loose ball on Saturday.

Isa Halim looks set to deputise for the suspended Ismail at right-back, with either Shaiful Esah or Afiq Yunos replacing Juma'at in the first XI if required.

Like Juma'at, Lewis has not attempted to kick a ball yet, for fear of aggravating his groin injury, but his situation has brought some cheer to the camp.

Broad smile across his face, the 28-year-old looked like he was playing football for the first time. From jibes to commands, Lewis' voice was audible from the stands.

And shouts that followed every save he made was a clear signal that he is raring to go.

Said the goalie: "The injury did not flare up after I trained on Monday … and if there's a chance for me to play even a single minute, I'd love to."