Zijlstra Sidelined as Indonesia Finalizes ASEAN Cup is about to roster

Indonesia’s national football team faces an early setback ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Cup as star striker Mauro Zijlstra was ruled out of the tournament today. The 21-year-old forward sustained an injury during the team's intensive training camp in Bali and has returned to Jakarta for medical treatment.

Despite losing a key attacking option, head coach John Herdman remains confident in his final 26-man squad. The Garuda squad boasts a formidable lineup anchored by overseas-based stars, including goalkeeper Maarten Paes and defender Kevin Diks. Captain Jay Idzes will lead the defensive line, while Oxford United’s Ole Romeny is expected to shoulder the goal-scoring responsibilities in Zijlstra's absence. Herdman is currently evaluating his 50-man provisional list to name a replacement striker before the tournament registration deadline.

Indonesia is placed in a challenging Group A and will kick off their campaign on home soil against Cambodia on July 27. The team will then travel to face Timor-Leste on July 31, followed by a highly anticipated crucial home clash against regional rivals Vietnam on August 3, before wrapping up the group stage in Singapore on August 7.