Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Philippine Azkals are preparing for their World Cup Qualifying fixtures against Uzbekistan and North Korea, but the national squad will have to go into those games without a few familiar faces.
Kevin Ingreso, Stephan Palla, and Phil Younghusband will miss at least one game due to injury, while Manny Ott and Misagh Bahadoran will serve a one game suspension for accumulated yellow cards.
With a number of key players missing, Azkals Coach Thomas Dooley knows the matches will prove to be difficult.
“Obviously missing five players who could play, or would play, it’s tough,” said Dooley. “We have the players who can play in multiple positions, that’s what we have to switch around.”
Despite the injuries and suspensions, team captain Phil Younghusband still has faith his other teammates will play well.
“It will be difficult, but I think if we play well we can get a result,” said the Azkals striker.
The Philippines will fly out to Tashkent to face Uzbekistan for their March 23 fixture, before returning to Manila to face North Korea on march 29.
Related: PFF reveals Azkals call-ups for Uzbekistan, North Korea clashes
