Against Sabah FC, Persib will rest 7 national team players and Danijel Loncar.

Persib Bandung will face Sabah FC with an incomplete squad. A total of 14 players are confirmed absent, including new signing Danijel Loncar and seven players who have just returned from duty with the Indonesian National Team.

Persib is set to host Sabah FC in an international friendly match under the Dewata Challenge Series banner, held at I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar, Bali on Saturday, 15 August 2026.

This will be the first of two trial fixtures for the Blue Prince during their training camp in Bali. Despite the team not operating at full strength, head coach Igor Tolic views this match against the Malaysian club as an opportunity to test various playing approaches.

"We will still be able to implement several playing schemes in this upcoming match," stated Igor at the Bali United Training Center.

Persib Will Not Take Risks With Loncar And National Team Players

Igor confirmed that 14 total players will be unavailable for selection when Persib take on Sabah FC, including Danijel Loncar.

Persib's new recruit is still assessed to require additional time to train with the squad and adapt to the team's playing system.

Aside from Loncar, the seven players who recently returned from Indonesian national team duty will also be granted rest time. Persib opted not to risk fielding them immediately in this first friendly match held in Bali.

"Danijel still needs several more training sessions and adjustment time. We are also giving the national team players rest, we will most likely only be able to field them for the second match," explained Igor.

This situation provides an opening for other squad members to demonstrate their ability, while allowing Persib to trial playing variations ahead of the 2026/2027 season.

Two Players Called Up To U-20 National Team, Four Remain In Recovery

Alongside Danijel Loncar and the seven senior national team players, Persib will also be without Rafi Rasyiq and Nazriel Alvaro, who are currently fulfilling call-ups for the Garuda Muda U-20 squad.

Meanwhile, four other players are still undergoing rehabilitation following the President's Cup tournament: Berguinho, Ramon Tanque, Dion Markx, and Luciano Guaycochea.

Igor delivered positive updates regarding his squad's recovery progress. Ramon, Dion, and Berguinho are reported to be showing strong improvement throughout their rehabilitation process.

"Only Lucho will likely require approximately 15 more days of recovery. Ramon, Dion and Berguinho are making good progress," said Igor.

Igor Tolic Has Not Fully Assessed Sabah FC's Capabilities

On the other hand, Igor admitted he has not yet fully identified the strengths and weaknesses of Sabah FC. However, Persib's coaching staff have already compiled match footage for analysis ahead of the fixture.

The findings from this analysis will be integrated into the team's preparations to face Sabah FC in Gianyar.

From the playing squad, Persib defender Gabriel Mutombo noted Sabah will not be a straightforward opponent. He has already reviewed the upcoming opposition's performances through recorded match footage.

"They are a strong side. I have already watched their match highlights against Bali," he remarked.

The fixture between Persib and Sabah FC forms part of Maung Bandung's preparation schedule ahead of the upcoming new season. 

With a number of players still unavailable, Igor Tolic is expected to utilise this match to test different player combinations and tactical options.