Schrock: I’ll play through injury

MALE, Maldives—Still hobbled by pain in his right hamstring, Filipino-German midfielder Stephan Schrock isn’t about to miss the biggest game in the history of Philippine football.

The Azkals have managed to reach the finals of the AFC Challenge Cup, even with Schrock hurting since the group stage.

Determined to contribute, Schrock said the injury will not stop him from seeing action in the duel against Palestine Friday night at National Stadium here.

“I’d have to be dead to not play,” said Schrock, who is coming off a long season with German Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt.

Schrock was substituted in matches against Laos and Turkmenistan, which ended in 2-0 wins. Although he felt ready to start in the 3-2 semifinal win over the Maldives, coach Thomas Dooley opted to let him come off the bench in the second half.

“I was on 40 or 50 percent at best (against the Maldives),” Schrock told the Inquirer. “During the warmup I felt good but after the first touch, I felt pain right away.”

Also hurting is Daisuke Sato, who is nursing a minor Achilles injury.