Influenza floors Kelantan players ahead of Super League match
KUALA LUMPUR: Kelantan Red Warrior could be without up to 11 players for Saturday’s Super League match against Kuching City after an influenza outbreak hit the squad.
Kelantan Red Warriors are facing a potential dilemma for their upcoming Super League match against Kuching City, as an influenza outbreak has affected up to 11 players. The club reported that three players tested positive for the flu, while eight others exhibited symptoms such as fever and body aches. With these players under close medical supervision, coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim is struggling to make crucial selections for the match at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.
Influenza is not the only health issue impacting Kelantan; they are not alone in the league this season. Just a week prior, KL City forfeited their opening game against Negri Sembilan, resulting in a 3-0 walkover defeat and a RM50,000 fine due to an influenza outbreak among their squad. The Malaysian Football League confirmed that 15 players and two team officials contracted the flu, which forced them to play with only 10 players and one substitute.
KL City's predicament was exacerbated by a severe shortage of players due to a FIFA registration ban, leaving them with no choice but to recall several players from their release schedule. Now, Kelantan is facing a similar situation, as Irfan revealed that the squad has been depleted by the registration ban, with only 20 players available, two of whom are already injured.
This latest influenza outbreak only adds more uncertainty to Kelantan's preparations for Saturday's encounter with Kuching City.
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