Jan-Michael ruled out Grenada friendly; Warriors goalie injured on Central duty

Editor Tuesday 15 March 2016 Local Football, National Football, Volley 10 Comments

Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team goalkeeper and vice-captain Jan-Michael Williams has been ruled out of an upcoming international exhibition match away to Grenada on March 19, due to a dislocated shoulder.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams is helped on to the stretcher by physio Saron Joseph during their 2015 Gold Cup fixture against Cuba. (Courtesy CONCACAF) — Photo: Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams is helped on to the stretcher by physio Saron Joseph during their 2015 Gold Cup fixture against Cuba.
(Courtesy CONCACAF)

Williams picked up the injury on Sunday March 13 in Central FC’s Caribbean Club Championship fixture against Montego Bay United in Jamaica.

Central, the defending Caribbean champions, won 1-0 on Sunday to advance to the semifinal round of the regional competition, which acts as the qualifying series for the 2016/17 CONCACAF Champions League.

However, Williams’ regional success comes at a heavy price for the “Soca Warriors”, as he will miss their trip to Grenada.

Police FC custodian Adrian Foncette has been drafted into the squad as Williams’ replacement and will press Morvant Caledonia United goalkeeper Marvin Phillip for the starting jersey.

Williams has 71 international caps and represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 2007, 2013 and 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup tournaments. He has made 24 appearances under current head coach, Stephen Hart.

Photo: Police FC goalkeeper Adrian Foncette makes a point blank save from W Connection left back Kurt Frederick (not in photo) during 2013/14 Pro League action. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868) — Photo: Police FC goalkeeper Adrian Foncette makes a point blank save from W Connection left back Kurt Frederick (not in photo) during 2013/14 Pro League action.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

In contrast, Phillip has 50 international caps—nine under Hart—while Foncette has never played in a senior international match.

It is uncertain whether Williams is expected to recover in time for Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers against St Vincent and the Grenadines on March 25 and 29.

Hart, according to the TTFA Media, is already bracing himself for the possible absence of San Jose Earthquakes winger Cordell Cato, who is believed to be struggling with a hamstring injury and doubtful for the upcoming qualifiers.

Foncette joined 18 teammates in practice yesterday at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella.

Belgium-based midfielder Khaleem Hyland, who is the sole overseas player in Hart’s squad to face Grenada, is expected to join his teammates in training tomorrow.

Photo: United States defender Geoff Cameron (centre) tries to keep up with Trinidad and Tobago midfielders Khaleem Hyland (right) and Cordell Cato during 2018 World Cup qualifying action at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. (Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868) — Photo: United States defender Geoff Cameron (centre) tries to keep up with Trinidad and Tobago midfielders Khaleem Hyland (right) and Cordell Cato during 2018 World Cup qualifying action at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

(Trinidad and Tobago team)

Goalkeepers: Marvin Phillip (Morvant Caledonia United), Adrian Foncette (Police FC);

Defenders: Daneil Cyrus, Alvin Jones, Triston Hodge (all W Connection), Andre Ettienne, Kevon Villaroel (both Central FC), Curtis Gonzales, Jamali Garcia (both Defence Force), Elijah Belgrave (Police FC);

Midfielders: Hughtun Hector (W Connection), Jerwyn Balthazar (Defence Force), Nathaniel Garcia, Leston Paul (both Central FC), Khaleem Hyland (KV Westerlo—Belgium), Akeem Humphrey (Club Sando);

Attacking Midfielders: Jomal Williams (W Connection), Sean De Silva, Jason Marcano (both Central FC);

Forwards: Shahdon Winchester (W Connection), Marcus Joseph (Central FC), Makesi Lewis (Police FC).