Persib Bandung to miss Essien in crucial game due to card accumulation

Indonesian powerhouse Persib Bandung will miss influential Ghana midfielder Michael Essien for their crucial clash with Persegres Gresik United.

Essien will miss the 21st week clash of the Gojek Traveloka League 1 against Persegres Gresik United on Sunday (20/08/17) due to accumulation of yellow cards.

Essien picked a yellow card each in the game against Persiba Balikpapan, Persela Lamongan, and last time against FC Arema.

With these three yellow cards, it is certain that Essien should be absent in the match against Persegres Gresik United, in accordance with the regulations set by PT Liga Baru Indonesia (LIB) as the competition operator.

However, Persib Bandung caretaker coach, Herrie Setyawan admits that Essien is a great player but insists his side will not miss him for the game as he has replacements for him.

"We are not focused on Essien, there is Maitimo there (attacking midfielder)," Herrie Setyawan said on Tuesday (15/08/17).

Essien has been very influential to the side’s performance in the Indonesian League since joining last season.