Indonesia coach requests Japanese club to release player for U23 Asian Cup

According to the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), Hubner was not allowed by Cerezo Osaka to play at the 2024 U23 Asian Cup because the tournament was not on FIFA calendar.

They signed Hubner on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers just last month. The 20-year-old defender has only made one appearance for the Japanese club.

After that, PSSI president and billionaire Erick Thohir revealed that Osaka only agreed to release Hubner for the 2024 U23 Asian Cup after April 17, which means the naturalized defender will miss the opening match against hosts Qatar on April 15.

However, coach Shin is asking Cerezo Osaka Club to release Hubner to Indonesia earlier.

Previously, the club agreed to let Ryuya Nishio join Japan early to attend the 2024 U23 Asian Cup and several other J1 League clubs also did that. However, when it comes to Hubner they made things difficult for Indonesia.

"Of course, we are trying our best so that Justin Hubner can join the U23 Indonesia team as soon as possible," Shin told Bola. "South Korean and Japanese clubs have released players for the U23 Asian Cup. Cerezo Osaka should also release Hubner."

In addition to Hubner, U23 Indonesia are also waiting for Nathan Tjoe-A-On. The Dutch-born defender has not received permission from his club SC Heerenveen to play the U23 Asian Cup. Without both Hubner and Tjoe-A-On, Indonesia only have three defenders.

Recently, Indonesia made a strong impression with a 1-0 victory in a friendly game with the UAE, thanks to Witan Sulaeman's goal. In a previous friendly with defending champion Saudi Arabia, Indonesia lost 3-1.