Thai national team receives bad news from European-born star ahead of AFF Cup

The Thai national team is undoubtedly concerned as a Thai-Danish star has just suffered an injury that could impact the 2026 AFF Cup next summer.

Recently, Ratchaburi FC, currently ranked 4th in Thai League 1, updated the injury status of Thai national team defender Jonathan Khemdee after he encountered issues in the most recent match. In that game, Ratchaburi drew 2-2 at home against Buriram United, thereby preventing Buriram from securing an early championship.

Specifically, Ratchaburi announced: “After playing in the 2-2 draw with Buriram United last weekend, fans may have noticed Jonny suffered an injury, but after initial treatment, he was still able to complete the full 90 minutes.

However, after the match, Jonny underwent a detailed MRI scan to accurately assess the condition, and the medical team discovered a fracture in the right tibia and a muscle tear in the left calf.

Immediate surgery may not be required, but rest and treatment are necessary! Nevertheless, with this injury, Jonathan Khemdee will be sidelined and is expected not to return during the final stages of the 2025/26 season.”

Khemdee's injury could affect the Thai national team during the FIFA Days in June, when the "War Elephants" will participate in a friendly tournament with national teams such as China, Iran, and North Korea. Meanwhile, the Tajikistan Football Federation has also expressed interest in facing the Southeast Asian representative.

Furthermore, this Thai-Danish player could very likely be absent from the AFF Cup 2026, the tournament scheduled to commence in late July next year. Notably, the "War Elephants" will face formidable opponents like Malaysia or Philippines, teams considered quite capable in their attacking prowess.

If he fails to recover from the injury in time to prepare for upcoming campaigns, coach Anthony Hudson and his staff of the Thai national team will face the headache of finding a replacement for the star born in 2002, who has always been trusted for a central defensive position.

Since his debut for the Thai national team in September 2024, Jonathan Khemdee has made a total of 13 appearances.