SINGAPORE — The LionsXII’s hopes of overcoming their bad start to the Malaysia Cup and qualifying for the knockout rounds have been given a major boost after captain Shahril Ishak was ruled fit for the crucial home game against Sarawak tomorrow.

The 29-year-old forward picked up a thigh injury almost three weeks ago during the LionsXII’s away game against Perak on Aug 27, which they lost 0-1, and had been ruled out for up to six weeks, effectively ending his Malaysia Cup campaign and handing a major blow to head coach V Sundramoorthy’s men.

Although they beat Perak 2-1 at the Jalan Besar Stadium without him four days later, they are third in Group D with four points, three fewer than leaders Sarawak and Perak, who both have seven, and one more than bottom side Kedah.

This means the LionsXII must beat Sarawak tomorrow to be in control of their Malaysia Cup destiny.

However, Shahril caught the Singapore media by surprise when he turned up without his crutches at Jalan Besar Stadium last night and proceeded to have a light workout with his team-mates.

“Shahril has recovered fully from his injury. He was given up to six weeks to recover but he has responded well to treatment. However, he still needs to do some strengthening work,” LionsXII physiotherapist Nur Hafizah Abu Sujad told TODAY.

“Nevertheless, he has been given the green light to train and to play on Wednesday. He will get some game time probably as a substitute, but if he is seen to be in pain or in discomfort, he will be replaced.”

Shahril, who is the team’s top scorer this season with nine goals, told TODAY the most important thing for him is to get back into shape after the lay-off. “I think everyone is very happy and we all want to do our part for the Sarawak game,” he said. “This game is a do-or-die match and we need the three points badly, that is the goal for tomorrow’s game.”

There was more good news for the LionsXII yesterday. Goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud has recovered from the groin injury he had picked up during Singapore’s training tour of China. Defenders Safuwan Baharudin (sprained foot) and Faritz Hameed (knee contusion) are also back to full fitness. But defender Shakir Hamzah and midfielder Isa Halim are doubtful for tomorrow’s game as they are still recovering from their hamstring strains. FELICIA QUICK