The Indonesian team received a big shock before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Coach Kluivert was heartbroken

Indonesia coach Kluivert has just confirmed that he is 'heartbroken' and shocked to be forced to remove No. 1 goalkeeper Emil Audero from the 29-man list, preparing for the two decisive matches in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Indonesia has 4 goalkeepers, but still insecure

Goalkeeper Emil Audero (whose mother is Italian and father is Indonesian) is playing for Cremonese on loan from Como (both in Serie A, Italy).

Audero chose to wear the Indonesian national team shirt and became a reliable goalkeeper in the last 4 consecutive matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia and international friendlies, replacing goalkeeper Maarten Paes who was suspended or injured.

The Indonesian national team will face a crisis in the goalkeeper position after Emil Audero was absent at the last minute.

Photo: Reuters

Coach Kluivert initially named Emil Audero and Maarten Paes (FC Dallas in the MLS, USA), along with domestic goalkeeper Ernando Ari (Persbaya Surabaya Club), as the three main goalkeepers of the Indonesian team playing in the matches in the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia.

However, this plan was suddenly ruined after Emil Audero was injured during the warm-up before Cremonese's match against Como in the 5th round of Serie A on September 27. The 28-year-old goalkeeper was initially diagnosed with a minor calf injury, and could recover in time to play for the Indonesian team in at least one match in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers (expected match against Iraq on October 12).

"Unfortunately, today (October 3) I spoke to Emil Audero (by phone) after his MRI scan, and he confirmed that he will not be able to play any of the upcoming fourth qualifying matches, including the matches against Saudi Arabia (October 9) and Iraq (October 12). This is a shock for goalkeeper Emil Audero and us," coach Kluivert said in an interview with the Indonesian press.

Coach Kluivert also said that goalkeeper Emil Audero is expected to be out of action for at least 2 weeks or more. Therefore, he was forced to change his plan and call up 2 more domestic goalkeepers to the reserve list, namely goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata and Reza Arya Pratama. Thereby, the list of goalkeepers of the Indonesian team has now increased to 4 people, with the remaining 2 being Maarten Paes and Ernando Ari.

Coach Kluivert is worried when the Indonesian team has to say goodbye to mainstay goalkeeper Emil Audero, and the possibility of facing an injury storm

Photo: Reuters

But among them, only goalkeeper Maarten Paes is experienced and capable enough to convince coach Kluivert to choose him as the main goalkeeper. While the remaining 3 goalkeepers clearly only play the role of backup involuntarily.

"This is definitely a huge loss, because I think Emil Audero has very good goalkeeper qualities. Considering his recent performance, this is really a shock for the entire Indonesian team," coach Kluivert emphasized.

The Dutch coach also said: "In such a situation, I have great confidence in the players on the national team. With a great opportunity ahead, I hope they will overcome and prove their abilities. Thereby, they can achieve their long-cherished dream, which is to win a ticket to the 2026 World Cup."

In addition to No. 1 goalkeeper Emil Audero, who has officially been absent, coach Kluivert also dismissed concerns about defender Sandy Walsh's injury, believing that the player from Buriram United (Thailand) will be physically fit and fit enough to play for the Indonesian team.

The Indonesian team is preparing to play two matches against Saudi Arabia (at 0:15, October 9) and Iraq (at 2:30, October 12), both Vietnam time, within the framework of Group B of the fourth qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup in Asia.

In Group A, Qatar is the host team, along with UAE and Oman. In this round, only the top team in each group will advance to the final round, the second place team will play in the play-off round, and the bottom team will be eliminated.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/doi-tuyen-indonesia-nhan-cu-soc-lon-truoc-vong-loai-world-cup-2026-hlv-kluivert-dau-long-185251004111035411.htm