KUALA LUMPUR: National interim coach Tan Cheng Hoe is likely to retain most of his previous squad for the CFA Team China International Football Competitions in Guangzhou next month, with only one or two new faces expected.
He said while the coaching staff were still discussing whether to introduce younger players or maintain continuity, the current plan was to stick with the established group.
"We are still discussing it, whether we really want to see young players or maintain continuity," Cheng Hoe told Timesport.
"At this stage, it looks like we will stick with almost the same group of players from our previous assignments. We will probably add just one or two new players."
Malaysia will also have to cope without winger Faisal Halim, who is sidelined due to a muscle tear sustained at the FIFA Asean Cup.
"We will miss Faisal. He has been a regular and a vital performer for us. We have to find a good solution and replacement for him," said Cheng Hoe.
Malaysia, ranked 133rd in the world, will face hosts China at Tianhe Sports Centre Stadium on Nov 14 before taking on Yemen on Nov 17.
Malaysia will be hoping to build on their 1-1 draw against China in Chengdu last year.
Cheng Hoe said he had not been given key performance indicators (KPIs) by FAM for the November assignment, and he is focused on the task at hand rather than concerning himself about who will be appointed permanently for the Harimau Malaya job.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd