Why Mees Hilgers joined Indonesian national team training

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian national team coach John Herdman explained why Mees Hilgers joined training sessions despite not being selected in the 23-man squad for the FIFA Match Day games against Oman and Mozambique.

The two matches will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) in Jakarta on Friday (5/6) and Tuesday (9/6), with Hilgers continuing to train with the Garuda team to recover from his ACL injury this season.

Besides Hilgers, two other players outside Herdman’s selected squad attended Monday afternoon training at the Gelora Bung Karno Madya Stadium in Jakarta. These players are candidates for naturalisation: Mitchell Baker and Luke Vickery.

“Mees is recovering from an injury. He is part of the current training squad. In my view, Mees is an important part of this group for the future,” Herdman told reporters at the Madya Stadium in Jakarta on Monday.

The 25-year-old centre-back is expected to return to full fitness and regain his best form after not playing this season with Twente.

“He has had a difficult season due to injury. Now is a period where, if we can place him in an environment surrounded by teammates, emotionally it’s much better than having to train alone at the final stage of recovery,” Herdman said.

“For us, Indonesia is now his home. He is happy to be here. He asked if he could undergo part of his rehabilitation with his football family here, and we welcomed him with open arms,” he added.

This opportunity not only aids Hilgers’ recovery but also allows him to build chemistry with new Garuda coach Herdman, appointed in January.

“Both parties are keen. The coach also wants to strengthen their bond. We know Mees is a good, tough, and reliable player. This is the first time Mees is working with Coach John. Hopefully, chemistry builds and the team improves in the future,” Sumardji said.