Three Defenders Emerge as Indonesia Weighs Jay Idzes Replacement for ASEAN Cup

Indonesia face a major defensive concern ahead of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup after captain Jay Idzes suffered a quadriceps injury while playing for Sassuolo in Serie A. The defender is expected to miss around a month, putting his participation in the tournament in serious doubt. Indonesia will host the competition in Jakarta and Bandung from September 25 to October 5, with Singapore awaiting them in their opening Group A fixture at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

With Idzes potentially unavailable, head coach John Herdman has several options to strengthen the centre of defence. Three players who could fill the void are Justin Hubner, Elkan Baggott, and Mathew Baker, each offering different qualities and levels of experience. Their current club situations and previous involvement with the national team could play an important role in the final decision.

Hubner is among the strongest candidates thanks to his regular playing time and international experience. The 23-year-old has started all six of Fortuna Sittard’s Eredivisie matches this season, completing every game as the Dutch club sits seventh with 10 points. Although Fortuna have conceded 14 goals during that run, Hubner remains an important part of the defensive structure with his aggressive approach and strong challenges.

Baggott brings valuable experience from English football and has enjoyed greater opportunities since joining Millwall permanently from Ipswich Town in July 2026. The 23-year-old has featured seven times across all competitions, including two Carabao Cup matches and five Championship games, accumulating 314 minutes.