MANILA (9 Nov 2012) – The Philippines will be without the services of midfielder Stephan Schrock or striker Angel Guirado for the AFF Suzuki Cup later this month.
This was revealed by Michael Weiss (pix), the chief coach of the Philippines. Schrock plays for Bundesliga first division squad TSG 1899 Hoffenheim while Guirado is with Salgaocar FC in India.
“Guirado has a verbal agreement with his club that he will be released for the AFF Suzuki Cup,” Weiss said. “(But) the club has refused to release the player because it was not an official FIFA date.
“Schrock, I just got information that they will not release him for the first three matches. But maybe they’ll release him for the December period which would mean, in the most positive scenario, that he would already be available for the semifinals.”
The absence of the two players has added further pressure on the squad who is likely to miss Neil Etheridge, Dennis Cagara and Jerry Lucena.
“We have to be patient,” Weiss added.
