Suva (Fiji Times) – THE Vodafone Fiji football squad players was assessed for injuries yesterday morning ahead of the first training session in preparation for the international friendly against Malaysia this Sunday.
The national players marched into camp in Ba Tuesday night after returning from the first stage of the Vodafone Fiji FACT in Labasa.
Fiji Football Association vice president and national team director Tarunesh Reddy said the players have been in action for some time so fitness should not be a concern.
Reddy said after the injury assessment they would decide on the next step to take.
Fiji hosted Malaysia in a three match series in 2001. Fiji lost the first match to Malaysia in Ba 2-1 but then clawed their way back to clinch the series beating their opponents 2-0 in Suva and 4-1 in Lautoka.
Meanwhile national coach Frank Farina expects the preparations to start Wednesday.
“Because of the Fiji FACT it was difficult to get the players in,” he said.
“Fitness is not an issue because the players played three games in three days. It is absolutely crazy and nowhere else in the world it happens.
“The problem is trying to get them recovered mentally and physically.”
Malaysia is on a three match tour of Oceania. The Malaysians lost to Papua New Guinea 2-0 last Friday.
Malaysia took on New Caledonia in Noumea yesterday afternoon. The side will arrive in Nadi on Friday.
The Fiji versus Malaysia match will kick off at 3pm at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Squad: Alvin Singh, Laisenia Raura, Meli Codro, Samuela Kautoga, Samu Nabenia, Manasa Nawakula, Avinesh Waran Suwamy, Savenaca Nakalevu, Tevita Waranivalu, Iosefo Verevou, Peniame Drova, Beniamino Mateinaqara, Jale Dreloa, Nickel Chand, Setareki Hughes, Vereti Dickson, Ilimotama Jese, Antonio Tuivuna, Anish Khem, Napolioni Qasevakatini, Kolinio Sivoki, Iliatia Tuilau, Roy Krishna.
