Zhu Changchun was a conspicuous absence from the post-match press conference, and preliminary reports from Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where he had been sent, were not good. According to one source, the Number Four has suffered two minor fractures on his left foot, and might well be out for three weeks to a month.

"It must be awful for him." Vice-captain and now likely starter Gleb Dorogan said. "We could all hardly wait to start. He was extremely unlucky, I don't think the other guy meant to hurt him, but these things happen."

His loss may not be immediately felt after Robbie Football Club sensationally sold off most of their squad for a total sum of over S$66.2 million yesterday, however, a divestment that included goalkeeper Ong Kiong Shun for S$8.1 million, as well as former national and U-20 midfielder Lei Chunzhuo for S$6.6 million.

Head coach Niculae Stanca readily admitted that he had no idea what the former Cup champions were planning. "It's best not to speculate too much on what the owners have in mind. They might well have a new team by Sunday, they might not, but no matter what, we owe it to our supporters to do our best."