Arema FC lost one of its key backline pillars after Achmad Maulana Syarif suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while facing Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung FC.
"We've taken him to an orthopedic doctor. Two MRIs were performed before. Achmad's ACL injury requires surgery. He'll be out for nine months and unable to participate in competitions," said Arema FC General Manager Yusrinal Fitriandi in Malang, East Java, on Wednesday.
Yusrinal said that the player was devastated by an injury that hit his knee ligaments.
Achmad's absence is a major blow for the club as the right-back is in peak form and a key pillar of their defense.
"He cried, but we continued to support him until he recovered. He's our player. I also told Achmad that this was a risk of the job," said Yusrinal.
Despite losing Achmad and adding Arkhan Fikri and Salim Tuahrea to the Indonesian U-23 national team training camp, Yusrinal stated that the composition of the players remains proportional and will be maximized.
