KUALA LUMPUR – Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) may have three suspended players back at their disposal, but coach Xisco Munoz is in no hurry to throw them straight into action as the Southern Tigers prepare to face Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in tomorrow’s Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) encounter.
Joao Figueiredo, Jon Irazabal and Hector Hevel are available again after completing their respective 12-month FIFA suspensions, giving Munoz additional options ahead of the East Zone league-stage fixture at Jeonju World Cup Stadium.
However, the Spaniard stressed that their return to competitive football must be managed carefully, with all three having spent an entire year away from the game.
“Their return is a positive development, but we need to manage them properly because they have not played for a long time,” Munoz told reporters at the pre-match press conference today.
“It gives us more options for upcoming matches, but we must be careful about how we bring them back. What matters is ensuring the process goes smoothly and rebuilding their confidence in the right way.”
JDT head into the encounter looking to maintain their unbeaten record in the competition, having collected seven points from their opening three matches.
The Malaysian champions began their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Buriram United before recording consecutive victories over Pohang Steelers (2-0) and Port FC (3-0).
Those results have placed them fourth in the East Zone standings, while Jeonbuk have accumulated four points from their first three outings.
A victory tomorrow would take JDT to 10 points and strengthen their position in the race to secure a place in the round of 16.
Munoz, however, is expecting a difficult match against the South Korean outfit, warning that his players must be prepared for the physical intensity and aggressive approach of their opponents.
“We know South Korean clubs play aggressively,” he said, emphasising the need for JDT to match their opponents’ intensity and meet the tactical demands of the encounter.
Meanwhile, midfielder Eddy Israfilov could also return to the fold after serving a two-match suspension, although Munoz has yet to decide whether he will feature in the starting line-up.
Striker Bergson da Silva, on the other hand, remains a doubt after sustaining an injury during last week’s 3-0 victory over Port FC. – November 2, 2026