Stephan Schrock will not see action for the Philippine Azkals in their final AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 match against Myanmar Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Bishan Stadium in Singapore.

Azkals coach Stewart Hall revealed after their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Thailand last Tuesday that Schrock had to go back to Germany to tend to his wife who is pregnant.

Hall added that Schrock could have stayed for the final group stage match had the Azkals stayed in contention for a semifinals berth.

“Schrocky’s wife is heavily pregnant and he had to go home depending on the result of the game against Thailand,” Hall said.

The loss to Thailand ended the Philippines’ chances of making the semis of Southeast Asia’s biggest competition with a game remaining.

Schrock has had a solid showing in his role as captain and play at midfield, assisting twice in the Azkals’ 7-0 romp of Timor-Leste last week.

He also drew the ire of Singapore fans during the Philippines’ 2-1 loss to host country, getting a round of boos everytime he had possession of the ball.

The United City would have been out against Myanmar anyway since he received a second yellow of the tournament against Thailand, which meant a one-match ban for accumulated cards.

Schrock’s absence will allow Hall to give more time for his young players to get exposure.

“Obviously, that will give an opportunity for somebody else,” said Hall. “The rest of it obviously we want to win the game. We don't want to demean the quality of the game.”