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CENTRAL defender Rhys David Weston is set to return and bolster Sabah’s defence in the Premier League home tie against Kedah tomorrow.
The Welshman has missed Sabah’s last three games through a hamstring injury suffered in the opening game 2-1 victory over SPA Putrajaya, a match that also saw him score an own goal.
Sabah have since went on to concede six more goals – in the 1-3 and 2-3 defeats to Sime Darby FC and Kuala Lumpur – although they kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 home win over lowly NS Betaria.
“Rhys’ absence has been clearly felt and with him back now, I’m very hopeful things will improve (at the back),” team manager Alijus Sipil said yesterday.
Sabah’s poor away record has seen them looking to their trusted fortress – the Likas Stadium – to pick up the points.
“It is very important we do not lose points (at home), which is very critical to challenge for the top position,” Alijus added.
He also revealed they were looking at making some changes to the squad after a tight schedule in the opening month of the campaign.
“Four matches in 11 days is too tiring for some of the players. There will be changes if need be,” he said.
Sabah are currently sixth with as many points in the 12-team table, just three adrift of fourth placed Kedah.
The Police are top on 12 points followed by Sarawak and Sime Darby with 10 points each.