Malaysia coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee confirmed his 25-man squad to face Singapore in the anticipated Causeway Challenge on Friday, with 2010 AFF Cup winner Khairul Fahmi Che Mat among the quintet not selected.
Matthew Davies, Ronny Harun and Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee were the defenders also sidelined for the AFF Cup warm-up, with Perak midfielder Nasir Basharudin completing the five players who will remain at the FAM headquarters.
Even though the five were excluded, Ong said they are still in his plans for the home friendly against Afghanistan on Oct. 11.
"These players are not dropped. They will undergo light training in FAM, with our other trainers while we prepare for the Singapore game," Ong said.
"Ronny has a back problem; Nasir has a groin injury while Matthew is unwell. I also did not select Khairul Fahmi to give opportunity to our other two custodians in Khairul Azhan and Hafizul Hakim. They will link up for full training against Afghanistan."
The national squad heads south on Wednesday to take on their neighbouring rivals in what is being billed as a competitive friendly, with bragging rights at stake before the regional showcase in November.
Ong's on-field preparation had been marred after the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) II trio of Irfan Fazail, Zaquan Adha and Darren Lok were ordered to return home last week by their owner, soon after joining the national camp.
As per FIFA rules, the three, along with JDT's Amri Yahyah, Azrif Nasrulhaq and Fadhli Shas, reported for national duty on Monday to finally give the coach a full squad to work with.
Pahang right-back Davies, who inspired his side out of the relegation zone with the winner against Penang on Sept. 24, vowed to recover before the Afghanistan match at the Shah Alam Stadium.
"Not travelling with the team to Singapore, due to illness throughout the week, will be back fighting for my position vs Afghanistan next week," said Davies on his Instagram page.