Teknowarta – Indonesia National Team coach, John Herdman, has clarified the reasons behind the notable omission of key players Jordi Amat and Eliano Reijnders from the squad for the upcoming June 2026 FIFA Matchday. This decision has raised eyebrows, as both players are usually mainstays in the “Skuad Garuda” roster.
Herdman recently finalized the 23-man squad set to compete in two crucial FIFA Matchday friendlies in June 2026. The Indonesian national squad will face Oman on June 5th, followed by a match against Mozambique on June 9th. Both highly anticipated encounters will take place at the iconic Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK).
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The selections made by the English tactician have certainly garnered significant attention, particularly the surprising exclusion of Jordi and Eliano. These two players have consistently featured in final squad selections, even if they haven’t always started every match, making their absence from the upcoming fixtures a talking point among fans and media alike.
Coach Herdman elaborated on the specific circumstances leading to the non-selection of these prominent figures. Regarding Eliano Reijnders, Herdman explained that the player is not in optimal physical condition following an arduous and extended season with his club, Persib Bandung. Consequently, he has granted Eliano, the younger brother of AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders, the necessary time to fully recover.
“Jordi Amat and Eliano Reijnders have both endured long seasons. Eliano has been dealing with an injury, as has Jay Idzes. We want to ensure they are completely recovered,” Herdman stated to reporters, including JawaPos.com, on Tuesday (2/6/2026).
“So, when Eliano joins our preparations for the AFF Cup later, he won’t be in the midst of injury recovery,” he added, emphasizing a proactive approach to player welfare and future tournament readiness.
As for veteran defender Jordi Amat, Herdman hinted at a deliberate decision to rest the experienced player. He believes that the Persija Jakarta star requires a break, and this period also presents a valuable opportunity for other promising players to step up and showcase their capabilities on the international stage.
Herdman’s strategic decision to sideline both Eliano and Jordi is rooted in ensuring their complete recovery and peak performance. This calculated rest is intended to allow them to return in top form and deliver their best when the Indonesia National Team commences its rigorous preparations for the highly anticipated 2026 AFF Cup.
“For Jordi Amat, he also had a very long season. I observed Jordi during the FIFA Matchday back in March. I fully understand his quality as a player and his leadership on the field. Therefore, I felt it was crucial to provide an opportunity for other players so I could assess them as well,” Herdman further explained, highlighting his comprehensive evaluation process.
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“I’ve had a good conversation with Jordi. He’s a senior player who understands his body and knows what he needs. So, he will return in July feeling fresh, healthy, ready to train, and prepared to compete for his place in the squad,” the coach affirmed, underscoring the mutual understanding and long-term planning involved.
From Herdman’s detailed explanations, it becomes implicitly clear that both Eliano Reijnders and Jordi Amat are being meticulously prepared for the prestigious 2026 AFF Cup. This highly anticipated ASEAN football showpiece is scheduled to run from July 24th to August 26th.
In this regional championship, the Indonesia National Team has been drawn into a competitive group alongside traditional rivals Vietnam, Singapore, Cambodia, and the winner of the play-off match between Brunei Darussalam and Timor Leste. The “Skuad Garuda” is widely expected to field its star players, including those plying their trade in the Super League, as they aim to make history by securing their inaugural AFF Cup title.
Summary
Coach John Herdman has clarified the omission of key players Jordi Amat and Eliano Reijnders from the Indonesia National Team squad for the upcoming June 2026 FIFA Matchday. Eliano Reijnders was left out due to an injury and a grueling club season, requiring time to fully recover. Herdman aims to ensure Eliano is completely fit for future preparations, rather than undergoing recovery during them.
Veteran defender Jordi Amat was intentionally rested after his demanding season, allowing him a crucial break while also providing opportunities to assess other players. Herdman confirmed a mutual understanding with Amat, who is expected to return refreshed and ready in July. This strategic decision ensures both players are in optimal condition and fully prepared for the prestigious 2026 AFF Cup, where the team aims to secure its inaugural title.