SINGAPORE: Fahrudin Mustafic will have a date with the doctor on Tuesday to see if he is ready to claim his place in the Lions' starting 11 against Thailand on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old midfielder - who has been one of Singapore's star performers in this edition of the biennial regional tournament - has not been in full training since picking up a groin injury in the second leg of the semi-final against the Philippines last week. Instead, he has been receiving treatment at the Singapore Sports Council.
But his situation has been improving.
He emerged unscathed from a short sprints test conducted by the team physiotherapist on Monday morning.
He was later allowed to join the team in their training session at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
"But it was just running and passing. No shooting and no one was allowed to tackle me, just for my protection," he said.
Mustafic will go for an ultrasound scan on his right thigh to see if the muscle there has healed completely. Only then will he be given the green light to play.
"My mind is on the match. Who would want to miss the final of such an important match? But I have to follow the doctor's advice," said Mustafic who was also in the team that won the 2007 edition of the championship by beating the Thais 3-2 on aggregate.
Mustafic's presence in midfield is vital as Hariss Harun is out of the tournament with a fractured fibula while Shi Jiayi remains unavailable because of urgent family matters in Shanghai.
But Isa Halim, who has taken over the role left vacant by Hariss, has promised to go all out again, just like he did against the Philippines at Jalan Besar last week.
"This is the final and only the best will do for me," said the 27-year-old midfield hardman.
"I am looking forward to playing the Thais and that means I have to be at my best."
- TODAY
Football: Anxious Mustafic keeping his fingers crossed
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Football: Anxious Mustafic keeping his fingers crossed
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Football: Anxious Mustafic keeping his fingers crossed
