Azkals' Suzuki Cup build-up hits big by injuries, cancelled friendly

The Azkals and their supporters will have to wait for another month for a home friendly (file photo)

By Kevin Estrada

MANILA--The Azkals' preparations for the AFF Suzuki Cup hit a massive roadblock on Friday, as the Philippine Football Federation announced that the friendly with Turkmenistan next week was called off.

PFF Secretary-General Atty. Edwin Gastanes posted the notice on its website earlier today, in which the Football Federation of Turkmenistan notified them that half of it's players had suffered injuries during their domestic season.

The PFF also added that the tickets bought for the match will be refunded.

The Azkals were not also spared by injuries as well, as Stallion's Simone Rota is set to miss the rest of the season as well as the Suzuki Cup with an ACL and partial PCL injury.

An emotional Rota brought the sad news on his Instagram, as he vowed to be stronger after his scheduled surgery that leave a huge hole into the Azkals backline.

For the third time of my life during the most important moment of my carrer I got several injured..broke my ACL and partial PCL...obviously I have to surgery...somebody teached me to be always positive,get my objective and visualize it...only God will give to me the right way for come back more strong...I belive in myself and I will do it!!!!!#nevergiveup #pumaph #foreverfaster

A photo posted by Simone Rota (@simorota1984) on Aug 25, 2016 at 4:03am PDT

With the latest development, Azkals boss Thomas Dooley called up Paolo Bugas and Joshua Grommen to replace Rota and Stephan Palla for the Kyrgyzstan match on Sept. 6.

Follow him on Twitter: @KevinLEstrada