BHUBANESWAR: Malaysia were hit with unpleasant news ahead of their clash against New Zealand in Group C of the World Cup on Thursday.
Shahril Saabah, a prolific player with 150 caps, picked up a hamstring injury while playing against Chile and is likely to be out for the remainder of the tournament.
Malaysia team manager Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi today said coach Arul Selvaraj is still mulling Shahril's replacement as he has two options.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) have allowed teams to register 20 players for this edition of the World Cup, and in case of injuries, teams are allowed to replace players.
"I would like to inform the Malaysian fans that Shahril picked up a left hamstring injury while playing against Chile (Malaysia won 3-2) and he will be replaced with one of the two reserves we have brought.
"Arul will make an announcement soon. It will be either Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi or Tengku Nasrul. Shahmie has zero caps while Nasrul has 12 caps," said Mirnawan.
Malaysia travelled 800kms by flight from Rourkela to Bhubaneswar last night to get ready for their final group match against New Zealand.
If Malaysia win against the Kiwis, they will finish second in Group C and play the third placed team in Group D which could be Wales or Spain.