Mees Hilgers, a key defender for the Indonesia National Team, is reported to have suffered an injury while playing for FC Twente against Willem II during the 11th week of the 2024-2025 Dutch League on Saturday, November 2, 2024. Hilgers was substituted at the beginning of the second half after appearing to be in pain during the first half of the match.
As usual, Hilgers was a crucial player for FC Twente in defense, starting the match and performing well in his role for the team known as The Tukkers.
However, in the 38th minute, he went down and appeared to be in discomfort following a challenge with a Willem II player. The decision by FC Twente’s coach, Gustaf Lagerbielke, to replace Hilgers in the 46th minute suggested that the injury was serious.
Moreover, a fan account for FC Twente on social media, @TwenteInstite, reported that Hilgers is indeed injured. If confirmed, this would be bad news for the Indonesia National Team.
“Hilgers suffered an injury in the locker room,” read the statement from @TwenteInstite, as quoted on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
After the match, Hilgers appeared to be fine and showed no issues with his leg. However, FC Twente has yet to provide any official updates regarding the condition of the Indonesian national team’s key defender.
Should the injury be significant, it would pose a dilemma for Indonesia’s head coach, Shin Tae-yong. Since becoming naturalized, Hilgers has been a primary choice for the coach in the last two matches, including a 1-1 draw against Bahrain and a 1-2 loss to China.
Hilgers has also been called up to face Japan and Saudi Arabia in the fifth and sixth matchdays of Group C in the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers for Asia. He is included among the 27 players selected by Shin Tae-yong.
The Indonesia National Team is set to host Japan at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) on November 15, 2024. There is hope that Hilgers will recover in time to make his debut at SUGBK.
