Persib focus on player readiness for Viettel clash amid busy schedule
The Bandung side are seeking a second Group E victory, but the availability of five injured players remains uncertain.
Persib Bandung coach Igor Tolic is prioritising preparation and player availability as his side face Vietnam's The Cong Viettel FC on 14 October amid a congested fixture schedule. The AFC Champions League Two 2026/2027 match will take place at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung regency.
Persib drew 2-2 with Dewa United three days before the Viettel fixture. Before that, they beat Thailand's Port FC in the ASEAN Club Championship. Against Viettel, Persib will seek their second Group E win after defeating FC Seoul 1-0 in their opening ACL 2 match.
In comments carried by Persib's official website, Tolic said he had no special approach for facing overseas opposition. He said the coaching staff were concentrating on the next match rather than which competition they were playing in, with points and standings taking a back seat to selecting players who were ready.
Several injured Persib players were showing signs of improvement ahead of the game. However, Tolic had yet to confirm whether Sandy Walsh, Gabriel Mutombo, Gakuto Notsuda, Beckham Putra Nugraha and Danijel Loncar would be available.
