PSIM Yogyakarta will be without their star midfielder Ezequiel Vidal when they visit Persis Solo in Week 12 of the BRI Super League 2025/26 at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Central Java, on Saturday (November 8, 2025) at 19:00 WIB.
Vidal is suspended due to a red card he received during PSIM’s 2–1 win over Persik Kediri at Sultan Agung Stadium, Bantul, on October 31. The Argentine playmaker’s absence is a big blow for PSIM — he has been their most productive creator this season with five assists and two goals in ten appearances.
Despite the setback, coach Jean-Paul van Gastel remains optimistic and insists PSIM still have enough depth to get a good result.
“I’ll have to see first. I haven’t decided who will replace him. We have around 30 players, so there are plenty of options,” said Van Gastel.
Rafinha Left Out Again
Another notable omission from the traveling squad is Rafinha, PSIM’s top scorer from last season. The Brazilian forward was already excluded from the lineup against Persik and will once again miss the Mataram Derby.
“I have my reasons and I’ve told him. He’s not injured,” Van Gastel explained.
For the trip to Solo, PSIM brought 21 players, including Cahya Supriadi and Raka Cahyana, both of whom were recently called up to the Indonesia U-22 national training camp ahead of the 2025 SEA Games.
Responding to Criticism
Van Gastel has faced criticism for his reluctance to rotate players. Throughout his tenure, he rarely changes his starting XI unless forced by injuries or suspensions. Even with several capable players on the bench, rotation has been minimal.
In the last ten matches, PSIM have also made very few substitutions during games, which some fans see as a missed opportunity to keep the squad fresh.
“We are in sixth place in the standings, so I don’t understand the criticism,” Van Gastel said.
“I only make substitutions when I feel they can improve the team’s performance. I always want to play with my best lineup.”
Weather Challenge
Weather has been another factor to consider. Recently, heavy rain has frequently disrupted matches across Indonesia, including in Yogyakarta.
“Just like in our last match, the rain here reminds me of the Netherlands, but the intensity is different. It comes down very heavily and suddenly,” Van Gastel noted.
“It affects the pitch and ultimately changes how we play. That’s why the previous game was quite difficult under those conditions.”
Despite the challenges, Van Gastel remains satisfied with his team’s efforts.
“Considering the circumstances, I think we played quite well,” he concluded.
