Fan favourite Andik Vermansyah is set for a much-awaited return for Selangor after a lengthy injury layoff, and aims to score against Pahang in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) on Wednesday night.
The Indonesian flyer suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury in the first-leg final of the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup against Thailand last December. The setback left him sidelined for five months, giving Selangor little choice but to drop him for the first half of the MSL season.
But after receiving treatment back home, Andik returned to Shah Alam, and has been training with the team since April.
"I am pumped up to return after a five-month injury lay off," Andik told Berita Harian.
"I will do my best to get back to my full form and help Selangor win. Getting on the score sheet against Pahang would also boost my confidence massively after being out for so long."
Andik could replace departing Romanian winger Victor Astafei in a like-for-like swap. He could also come in for Francis Forkey Doe, whose future hangs in the balance after he was detained by the police for possession of an unauthorised vehicle on May 5.
The Liberian striker was reportedly fined RM6,000 for the offence, but there has not been any confirmation from Selangor about retaining his services for the rest of the season.
Whatever the case, Andik's place is guaranteed, and he is ready to enthrall the home fans at Selayang Stadium.
But he is wary of wounded Pahang, who put up a brave performance as they lost 3-2 to Kedah in the last Saturday's FA Cup final.
"Pahang are FA Cup runners up, and they put on attacking display, despite playing most of the game with 10 men against Kedah. They will surely want to win to try and overcome that painful defeat. We will have to be on our toes if we seek full points," Andik said.
Victory would take Selangor to within a point off Pahang in equal second.
After the Wednesday night fixtures, the MSL takes a six-week break for international action and the fasting month of Ramadan.