Malaysia's preparations for the Causeway Challenge against Singapore on Oct. 7 have hit a snag, with their English-born striker Darren Lok ordered to return to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) II, along with teammates Irfan Fazail and Zaquan Adha.
Lok, who was granted his Malaysian passport last week, received a national call up after only 45 minutes of action against Kuala Lumpur in the Premier League last Friday.
National coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee had defended his selection of the stocky striker after monitoring the former non-league player's progress since his arrival in June. But the club versus country wrangle has struck again, with JDT II requesting the trio's return, despite the domestic league taking a break for international friendlies.
"We received a letter from the club, stating the players would only be released for national duty four days before the friendly, according to FIFA rules. We have to abide by that, but I hope these players will return before the Singapore friendly," said Ong.
"I had called up the players earlier to improve on our chemistry as a team. Besides, the 13 players I had selected were also not involved in Malaysia Cup duties. But this is the club's call and we have to respect that."
Ong admitted their absence could derail his preparations.
"Of course my training is affected, but I can't be negative. We have an important build up for the AFF Cup [in November] and my aim is to get the players ready for that," added Ong, who called upon Terengganu striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, and Perak midfielder Nasir Basharuddin as replacements.
The duo are expected to arrive at the FA of Malaysia training base by Friday.
The withdrawal of the Johor-based players comes barely a month after defender Dominic Tan was asked to return to JDT before a Malaysia Under-22 friendly.
Tan, who had arrived for centralised training three days late, played in the goalless draw against Bahrain on Aug. 31, but returned to the Southern Tigers before the second game against the same opponents three days later. Malaysia went on to lose that match, 2-1.
In July, the JDT quartet of Safiq Rahim, Amirulhadi Zainal, S. Kunanlan and Aidil Zafuan quit the national team after returning from their Oceania tour in June.
Ong's men will play Afghanistan at Shah Alam Stadium, four days after the Singapore friendly at the Sports Hub.