GEORGE TOWN, Feb 23 — Penang striker Faiz Subri who grabbed the world’s attention with his sensational freekick goal against Pahang last week, is injured.

The striker, who was  stretched off after a knock against Kuantan in the second round of the FA Cup on Saturday, will visit the doctor today to see the extent of his injury.

It is feared he could be out of action for up to three weeks.

“He twisted his ankle while trying to score,” said coach Jacksen Tiago.

“It is a big blow but we have other options available.

“I hope it is not too serious but I have faith in the other strikers.”

The news comes on the day FA of Malaysia revealed they had written a note to Fifa to consider Faiz’s goal for the Puskas Award.

The award is given annually to the most beautiful goal.

In the game against Pahang, Faiz’s freekick from 32m served twice in midair before going in.

Many compared it to Roberto Carlos’ strike against France in 1997. A video clip of Faiz’s goal went viral with over a million views in the past week.

Meanwhile, Tiago said it is his defence which is giving him sleepless nights.

He admitted he has gone back to the drawing board after his team’s defensive weaknesses cost them a place in the third round of the FA Cup.

Central defensive trio Masri Balang, Reinaldo Lobo and Fitri Omar were in good form in Penang’s first two Super League matches and pre-season friendlies but made uncharacteristic mistakes in their 4-2 defeat to Kuantan.

“We made too many mistakes and conceded easy goals. The trio had performed well before this match,” said Tiago

“I don’t know what happened. Everything went haywire. There was a misunderstanding which allowed Kuantan to score their third goal.

“I have to rectify this. We got to strengthened our defence,” said Tiago, adding his team had also let the fans down.

Last Tuesday Penang played an outstanding match to dismantle Pahang 4-1 at City Stadium but four days later at the same venue, they were in disarray especially in extratime.

Penang’s defensive frailties were badly exposed and they conceded thrice in extratime after the teams were tied 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes.

Tiago felt his team should have seen off the game in regulation time as the Panthers led 1-0 after Mathias Cordoba scored in the 80th minute.

But sloppy defending saw Dao Bakary equalise a minute from time.

“We were outstanding against Pahang. But poor against Kuantan.

“Luck too was not on our side but that’s football. You never know what will happen.

“I assure the fans the team will put up a better performance in our next game” said the Brazillian.

Penang’s next match is M-League clash against Police in Hang Jebat, Stadium in Malacca on Saturday.