Struggling in World Cup Qualifiers, Indonesia receives great news from naturalized star

The Indonesian team recently received encouraging news before their decisive World Cup 4th round qualifier against Iraq, with defender Calvin Verdonk prepared to make a comeback following injury.

According to Mr. Sumardji, head of the Indonesian National Team delegation, Verdonk’s MRI scan in Jeddah showed no serious thigh injury as initially feared.

“When Verdonk joined the training camp, Lille club requested another MRI scan. The results showed no issues, but we still need to consider tactics and recovery time,” Mr. Sumardji shared with Bola.com.

Previously, Verdonk missed Lille’s match against PSG in Ligue 1 and was absent when Indonesia lost to Saudi Arabia in the first group stage game. Although cleared to play, the Indonesian coaching staff decided to rest him further to ensure he is in peak condition for the final match.

Indonesia is now in a must-win situation against Iraq in the last game at King Abdullah Sports City (Jeddah) early morning on 12/10 (Vietnam time). The loss to Saudi Arabia put coach Patrick Kluivert’s team at a disadvantage in the race for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

If Indonesia fails to secure all 3 points, they will likely be eliminated early due to an inferior goal difference compared to rivals. Therefore, Verdonk’s return as the first-choice left-back is seen as a morale booster for the entire squad.

“We want Verdonk to be at 100% fitness. He has rested nearly a week without training, so he needs more time to regain form. The goal is to have him ready for the Iraq match,” added Mr. Sumardji.

According to a reporter from Bola.comcovering the event in Jeddah, Verdonk confirmed his thigh pain has fully healed and he is awaiting the call to play. The Dutch-born player is determined to help Indonesia win this “do-or-die” match.

Meanwhile, coach Patrick Kluivert is reportedly preparing a more aggressive attacking strategy, hoping to exploit Verdonk’s strengths in wing runs and crosses to pressure Iraq’s defense.

Indonesia still has a slim chance. A victory over Iraq would not only improve their standings but also keep hopes alive to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, the last condition to pursue their World Cup dream.

However, all strategies will be meaningless if Patrick Kluivert’s team cannot defeat Iraq. To achieve that, Indonesia needs the return of stars like Calvin Verdonk, who can provide balance between offense and defense on the left flank.