Jakarta – The Indonesian national team has suffered a setback ahead of the upcoming FIFA Series 2026 with the confirmation that forward Miliano Jonathans will miss the matches due to a significant knee injury. The 21-year-old Excelsior Rotterdam player sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear during a match against SC Heerenveen on March 8, 2026, effectively ruling him out of contention for John Herdman’s squad.
The injury is a second ACL tear for Jonathans in the past two years, a cruel blow to the rising star in Dutch football. With Jonathans sidelined, coach Herdman now faces a selection challenge, with the potential to trim up to 17 players from his initial 41-man preliminary squad. But the depth of talent available to the Indonesian national team suggests there are capable replacements ready to step up.
Herdman initially called up 41 players, aiming to assess a broad range of options before finalizing his roster for the FIFA Series. The loss of Jonathans, however, necessitates a reassessment of the attacking options. Fortunately, according to football analyst Bung Ropan, Indonesia boasts a wealth of talent capable of filling the void.
“There are several names within that 41-man call-up who can slot into the right-wing position,” Ropan stated, as quoted by tvOnenews.com on Friday, March 13, 2026. “First among them is Malut United’s Yakob Sayuri.”
Yakob Sayuri brings a wealth of international experience to the table, having been a consistent call-up for the national team under previous coaches Shin Tae-yong and Patrick Kluivert. His familiarity with the national team setup and proven track record make him a reliable option for Herdman. “Yakob is a player who can’t be doubted,” Ropan added. “He’s been frequently used by the national team, from the era of STY to PK. He’s available and can play.”
However, Sayuri isn’t the only contender. Ropan likewise highlighted Eliano Reijnders as a potentially ideal replacement for Jonathans. Reijnders, the younger brother of AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, is valued at approximately 10 billion Indonesian Rupiah and possesses a versatility that could be invaluable to Herdman’s tactical plans.
Reijnders’ adaptability is a key asset. He’s capable of playing in multiple positions, offering Herdman tactical flexibility. “Eliano is also in a position similar to Jonathans, and he can play on the right wing,” Ropan explained. “He’s a player who can perform in several positions.”
Ropan further pointed out Reijnders’ ability to feature in various roles, citing his experience with Persip Bandung under coach Bojan Hodak. “At Persip Bandung, for example, Bojan Hodak has utilized him as a right-back, left-back, defensive midfielder, and even an attacking midfielder.”
The versatility of players like Reijnders is particularly valuable for a national team manager aiming to build a squad capable of adapting to different opponents and game situations. The ability to seamlessly transition players between positions can disrupt opposing teams and provide a tactical advantage.
The Indonesian national team is scheduled to face Saint Kitts and Nevis at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta on March 27. This match will be a crucial test for Herdman as he begins his tenure as head coach, and the selection of Jonathans’ replacement will be closely scrutinized. The second match of the FIFA Series 2026 will spot Indonesia face the winner of the Bulgaria versus Solomon Islands contest.
The injury to Miliano Jonathans is undoubtedly a blow, but the depth of talent within the Indonesian squad provides Herdman with options. Yakob Sayuri and Eliano Reijnders represent compelling choices, each bringing unique qualities to the table. The coming weeks will be crucial as Herdman assesses his options and prepares his team for the challenges ahead in the FIFA Series 2026.
The focus now shifts to Jakarta as the team prepares for the matches. Fans will be eager to see how Herdman utilizes his squad and which players he ultimately selects to represent Indonesia on the international stage. The FIFA Series 2026 presents a valuable opportunity for the national team to showcase its potential and build momentum for future competitions.
