Phil Younghusband okay after head injury

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Azkals skipper Phil Younghusband, whose stint in Sunday’s final group game in Indonesia was cut short by head injury, assured he would be in fighting shape when the Filipinos battle Vietnam in the Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup two-game semis beginning Sunday in Bacolod.

“Just to let everyone know, I’m feeling much better today,” said Younghusband who was left bloodied and dizzy after a collision with an Indonesian player at the 25th minute and had to get treatment at a Jakarta hospital while the squad battled the home side to a 0-0 stalemate to clinch the semis berth.

“I had four stitches and I should be okay for the next game,” said the team’s top goal scorer as he posted a video of his wound being cleaned. “I think the Doc did a pretty good job here in Jakarta so thank you Doc.”

Bouyed by victories over Singapore and Timor Leste and draws with Thailand and Indonesia, the Pinoy booters took runner-up honors in Group B with eight points behind the topnotcher Thais’ 10 to return to the Last-4 after missing out in 2016. 

“It wasn’t easy coming out of a tough group. But huge credit goes to the players, staff and management for all their hard work. It will only get harder from here as we face Vietnam in a two-legged semis, first at Panaad on Dec. 2 and second in Vietnam on the 6th. Hoping we can fill Panaad Stadium and we can make it an intimidating place to play for the away side,” said Younghusband.

Azkals coach Sven Goran Eriksson welcomed the weeklong break before the showdown with the Group A-winning Vietnamese.

“We look forward to that. It’s good for the players that the next game is still on Sunday, we need these days to recover,” Eriksson said.