Sabah FK head coach Valdas Dambrauskas faces a major selection setback ahead of his side’s UEFA Champions League showdown with FC Barcelona after South African defender Aden McCarthy was ruled out through suspension.

McCarthy will miss the highly anticipated encounter on November 25 after receiving a straight red card during Sabah’s 4-1 defeat to Norwegian side Viking FK on Wednesday, November 4.

The 22-year-old defender was sent off in the 77th minute at the Lyse Arena following a challenge that was initially reviewed by the match officials before his yellow card was upgraded to a red. His dismissal left Sabah with ten players as they attempted to recover from a 2-1 deficit. Viking went on to score twice in the closing stages to secure a convincing victory.

McCarthy’s absence represents a significant blow for Dambrauskas, particularly because the former Kaizer Chiefs defender had established himself in the starting line-up, making four consecutive starts in the Champions League league phase.

Despite the disappointing result, Dambrauskas has refused to blame the South African international for the defeat. The Sabah coach acknowledged the difficulty of competing at the highest European level and explained that his team struggled in individual battles during the second half.

He also stressed that small mistakes can prove costly in Champions League matches, where opponents are capable of punishing even minor lapses.

Sabah are scheduled to host Barcelona at the Baku Olympic Stadium on November 25. The match would have offered McCarthy an opportunity to test himself against some of Europe's top players, including Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal and Raphinha.

His suspension is also an unfortunate setback ahead of his international commitments, having attracted attention from Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane.

Sabah will now have to find a replacement for the defender as they prepare for one of their biggest fixtures of the European campaign.

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