Etheridge sits out Phl crucial match versus Laos

Matches tomorrow (National Stadium, Male)

4 p.m. – Turmenistan vs Philippines (7 p.m. Manila time)

(Hithadoo Stadium, Addu City)

4 p.m. – Afghanistan vs Laos (7 p.m. Manila time)

ADDU City, Maldives – An icepack on his right leg, Azkals keeper Neil Etheridge gave an update on his condition and couldn’t hide the pain of having to sit out Phl’s crucial match against Laos last night in the AFC Challenge Cup here.

Or the possibility he might be done for the whole tournament as a result of a “slight injury” on his right quad.

The Fil-British ace hurt it when he manned the post in the Azkals’ scoreless draw against Afghanistan Tuesday night in the opener of Group B hostilities.

“I felt it’s a little worse than what it was, “ Etheridge said of his injured quad, which had been actually giving him problems the past season with Fulham in the Premier League.

“To be honest, (it’s a) wait and see. But I wanna be fit as soon as possible and help the team through,” he said.

“Hopefully, I can maybe take part even in the semis, if we get there, and I hope we do or perhaps the last game of the group,” he added.

While his stint in the Asian Cup-qualifying tourney is doubtful, Etheridge is also looking at an “uncertain future” at the club level. His contract with Fulham expired and the team’s new manager Felix Mageth is reportedly making a massive revamp following the club’s relegation.

“I’ve loved every moment at Fulham and it will great to be a part of Fulham next season but at the moment, I’m out of contract. My mindset right now, though is still focused 100 percent here at the Maldives to help make history, to get this team to the Asian Cup. My mind is fully focused here. My career at club level, though is uncertain and I’m just keeping my options open,” he said.

With Etheridge injured, Azkals coach Thomas Dooley tapped Roland Muller to start between the sticks as the Azkals gunned for an all-important victory against Laos.

“If we get the three points (against Laos), it’s gonna be massive for us,” said Etheridge.

Notes: In the wake of Tuesday’s harrowing experience at sea, the Azkals arranged for a bigger speed boat to ferry them from Herathera Island Resort to Hithadhoo Stadium yesterday. Along the way, they prayed for a fine weather during transport, while some took Bonamine as precaution against sea sickness. It was essentially an uneventful trip, allowing the team to focus on the task at hand.