KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu face ongoing challenges with injuries as they gear up for the final stretch of their campaign this season.
While the Turtles have no hope of securing a top-three finish in the Super League, Tomislav Steinbruckner's side still can end their season with at least a title.
Terengganu have a decent chance of reaching the zonal semi-finals of the AFC Cup and are in the final of the Malaysia Cup, where they will take on Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in Bukit Jalil on Dec 8.
Tomorrow, Terengganu will be without three key defenders, Azam Azmi Murad, Shahrul Nizam Ros Hasni and Alif Zakaria, while Safwan Mazlan is doubtful, when they play Australia's Central Coast Mariners in their fifth Group G match in the AFC Cup at Central Coast Stadium, Gosford.
The Turtles are definitely affected by injuries as their weakened side were thrashed 4-0 by Sabah at home in a Super League game last week.
Steinbruckner's side will be on a mission to avoid another embarrassing result when they face the Mariners. Only the group champions in the AFC Cup will qualify for the zonal semi-finals, and Terengganu must avoid defeat against the Mariners to remain in the hunt.
The former Malaysia Cup champions are second in Group G with eight points, one point behind Mariners. Indonesia's Bali United are third with four points, followed by Stallion Laguna of the Philippines with one point.
Centre-back Safwan, recovering from a calf muscle injury, has a 50-50 chance of playing tomorrow.
"Shahrul is on injections and medication, and he doesn't look good.
"Alif is dealing with an ankle problem, while Azam Azmi is recovering from a knee problem. Azam will only be available in about two months," said Steinbruckner.
Uzbekistan defender Sardor Kulmatov is expected to lead the Terengganu backline in the match.Steinbruckner added that his team's mission is to remain undefeated in the AFC Cup.
"We have two group matches left, and good results will see us advance to the zonal semi-finals. "The Mariners are a tough side, and earning a point will be our mission. We can achieve something if we score an early goal."
The Mariners will be seeking revenge for their 1-0 defeat to Terengganu in the first-round match in Gong Badak in September.
The Australian side, now under the guidance of new coach Mark Jackson, a former Leeds United Under-23 manager, recorded a 3-1 win over rivals Newcastle Jets, ending their four-game losing streak in the A-League last Saturday.