Jakarta:Malaysia will be without winger Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim for the FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026 third-place playoff, following a tendon and right calf muscle injury he sustained.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, interim national head coach Tan Cheng Hoe mentioned that Faisal's injury is expected to require a lengthy recovery period. However, the medical team is committed to doing everything possible to aid his return to full fitness.

Tan Cheng Hoe expressed the team's sentiment regarding Faisal's absence, noting that his presence as a key player in the Harimau Malaya attack would be missed. Faisal's injury was sustained during a match against Indonesia, and he was seen on crutches with a brace on his right leg during Malaysia's 6-0 victory over Singapore.

The Selangor FC player's absence presents an additional challenge for Coach Cheng Hoe as he prepares the team for the upcoming third-place playoff against the Group B runners-up at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta.

Malaysia, finishing second in Group A with seven points, narrowly missed out on the final to Indonesia based on the number of goals scored, despite their decisive win against Singapore.