Etheridge doubtful for two World Cup qualifying matches

The Philippines could miss its first-choice goalkeeper for the first round of matches in World Cup Qualifying after Neil Etheridge sustained a hamstring injury during Cardiff City’s Championship season opener against Wigan last Saturday.

Etheridge told the Inquirer that he could be sidelined for six weeks, which means he might miss the match against Syria on Sept. 5 at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City and the visit to Guam five days later.

“I doubt it,” said Etheridge when asked if he’ll be available for the two matches. “It’s hard to explain, but basically my foot was planted and I headed the ball out and overstretched my foot.”

With Etheridge subbed off in the second half, the Bluebirds began their quest for promotion back to the Premier League with a 2-3 away defeat to Wigan.

Even with Etheridge doubtful, Azkals coach Scott Cooper has plenty of options to man the posts for the Philippines.

He could turn to either Michael Falkesgaard or Patrick Deyto, who now plays for Suphanburi in Thailand. Falkesgaard has started in six of the last seven games of the Azkals.