Suzuki Cup: Lions defender Shakir Hamzah out of tournament following knee injury

SINGAPORE - The Lions' Suzuki Cup campaign has received another blow with key defender Shakir Hamzah ruled out of the rest of the Dec 5-Jan 1 tournament.

In a statement on Sunday (Dec 19), the Football Association of Singapore said that following a medical examination, the 29-year-old defender was confirmed to have suffered injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and meniscus of his right knee.

The hosts had lost forward Gabriel Quak days earlier, after he decided to heed medical advice and go for surgery to repair a torn labrum, which also rules him out of the rest of the tournament. The 30-year-old had dislocated his left shoulder during a friendly against Morocco 'A' in Dubai on Nov 16, but aggravated the injury during the 2-1 Group A win over the Philippines on Dec 8.

On Saturday, Shakir was stretchered off in the 12th minute with his right leg heavily bandaged after a nasty collision with Thitiphan Puangchan in the Lions' 2-0 loss to Thailand at the National Stadium.

The player, who has started every match in this edition and had scored in the 2-0 victory over Timor-Leste on Dec 14, said: "I am very disappointed to have suffered this injury and will not be able to help the team in the knockout stages, which I was really looking forward to. I will continue to cheer the team on while I focus on my recovery. I am also thankful for the support and well-wishes I have received, and will do my best to return stronger.

"I know our fans will continue to be there for our boys throughout this tournament. They deserve the recognition for their effort and hard work. I have been with them for the past 12 weeks and I know how much this competition means to each and every individual in the team. I will be with the fans to support the Lions this time as I know the support means a lot to the players."

Nur Adam Abdullah is the only natural replacement in the squad although midfielder Zulfahmi Arifin has been used at left-back on a few occasions, including coming on as a substitute for Shakir against Thailand. Other options include right-back Zulqarnaen Suzliman, who has been fielded at left-back for the Young Lions in the Singapore Premier League this season, and Tajeli Salamat.

National coach Tatsuma Yoshida, who is preparing his men for the Dec 22 and 25 semi-finals, said it was "tough" and "unfortunate" that Shakir will not be available.

He said: "We all know what he brings to the team; since June, he regained our trust on his own and his attitude and commitment to the team has improved massively. Shakir has evolved to become a key member of the team and we will feel his absence both on and off the pitch. However, he is a fighter and I wish him all the best with his recovery and am sure that he will emerge from this stronger."