Lions left-back Nur Adam Abdullah out of Asian Cup with ACL injury

SINGAPORE – The Lions have been dealt a blow ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup with left-back Nur Adam Abdullah sidelined by a serious knee injury.

The tenacious defender suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his right knee and is expected to miss the majority of the 2026-27 season, his club Lion City Sailors announced on social media on Oct 12.

He had picked up the injury during the Sailors’ 6-1 win over the Young Lions in a Singapore Premier League match at the Jalan Besar Stadium the previous day.

The 25-year-old was caught by a tackle from Young Lions captain Andy Reefqy in stoppage time and was seen clutching his right knee.

ACL tears typically require at least six months of recovery.

The club, who said they are “gutted” to make the announcement, added: “The Sailors family is behind you, Nur Adam. Wishing you a strong recovery.”

Nur Adam had been a regular in Lions coach Gavin Lee’s backline in 2026, racking up 639 minutes across nine matches at the ASEAN Championship in July and August and the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup in September and October.

The Lions are grouped with Australia, Iraq and Tajikistan at the Jan 7-Feb 5 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

When contacted, Lee told The Straits Times: “It is definitely disappointing news and our thoughts are with Adam. If there’s one player who is strong enough in the head to make a comeback, it would be him.

“It will definitely be a challenge given his recent contributions to the group. For now, like with everything, we have to take a step back first to reassess all possible solutions before narrowing down potential replacements.”

Nur Adam, who has 22 caps for Singapore since his first call-up in 2021, was kept out of the national team for much of 2023 to 2025 due to shoulder injuries and national service.