ACL Injury Forces Miliano Jonathans to Miss Indonesia’s FIFA Series Campaign

Miliano Jonathans will not be able to represent the Indonesian national team in the upcoming FIFA Series 2026 after suffering a serious knee injury. The Excelsior Rotterdam player sustained damage to his anterior cruciate ligament, a setback that requires a lengthy recovery period. The injury effectively removes him from contention for the international matches scheduled later in March.

The incident occurred during Excelsior Rotterdam’s Eredivisie match against SC Heerenveen on the 26th matchday of the season. Jonathans went down in visible pain following a physical challenge with defender Hristiyan Petrov. The situation forced the midfielder to leave the pitch in the 81st minute, raising immediate concerns about the severity of the injury.

Medical evaluations later confirmed that the problem involved a torn ACL. Such injuries typically require surgery followed by months of rehabilitation, making a quick return impossible. Jonathans acknowledged the disappointment publicly while also expressing determination to recover and come back stronger after the difficult moment.

Before the injury, Jonathans had been included in the preliminary squad list for Indonesia’s participation in the FIFA Series 2026. Head coach John Herdman initially called up 41 players as part of the extended roster that would later be trimmed down to form the final team for the tournament.

The preliminary squad consisted of 24 players from Indonesia’s domestic Super League and 17 players competing abroad, including Jonathans. Indonesia is scheduled to face Saint Kitts and Nevis at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on March 27, followed by another match against the winner of the fixture between Bulgaria and the Solomon Islands. Without Jonathans, the coaching staff will need to adjust its plans for the tournament.