Azkals to end Asian Tour without Younghusbands, Lucena

The Azkals will be missing the services of Younghusband brothers Phil and James along with Fil-Danish Jerry Lucena, as the Philippines ends their Asian tour against the Laotian National Football team in Vientiane, Laos on Monday.

 

The team released their official lineup for Monday's match, noting who the squad will be missing. The Younghusband brothers stated that they have "family commitments," as the game falls on the first anniversary of their mother's passing.

 

Jerry Lucena, on the other hand, has been recalled by his Danish Superliga team Esbjerg fB.

 

With Phil Younghusband's absence, Ian Araneta is expected to team up with Denis Wolf at the forward position. 

 

The loss of James Younghusband and Jerry Lucena affects the midfield, as the two are constant starters in that spot. Head coach Michael Weiss will have a lot of eager players waiting in the wings, though, including the star against Singapore Stephan Schrock, along with Chieffy Caligdong, Marwin Angeles, Jason De Jong, and Jeffrey Christiaens, among others.  

 

The Azkals started their Asian tour with a draw against Cambodia, followed by a 2-0 victory over the Singaporeans. The Philippines, ranked 150th in the world, is expected to win against Laos who is ranked 43 places below at 193. - AMD/OMG, GMA News