The Blue Tigers are set to take on the Middle-Eastern nation ahead of their AFC Asian Cup third round qualifiers next month in Kolkata.
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The Indian team is reportedly hit with injuries ahead of their international friendly against Jordan on Saturday. The Blue Tigers are set to take on the Middle-Eastern nation ahead of their AFC Asian Cup third round qualifiers next month in Kolkata. India will take on Cambodia in their opening Group D fixture on June 8 before facing Afghanistan and Hong Kong in the space of next six days. Meanwhile Sunil Chhetri, who last played for India in the 2021 SAFF Cup final win against Nepal in October, is back in the team after recovering from injury. The 37-year-old will once again be expected to shoulder the goal-scoring responsibilities.
According to a recent report by Times Of India, the likes of Liston Colaco, Rahul Bheke are unlikely to feature against Jordan. Midfielder Apuia didn’t travel with the squad to Doha after picking up an injury, while Brandon Fernandes and Muhammed Yasir are not yet in their best shape but are fit for the bench. The report also stated that winger Udanta Singh felt tightness in his muscle after missing a shot in full swing. And, Last week, Anirudh Thapa picked up a knock during the friendly against West Bengal and missed training for five days. The Chennaiyin FC midfielder has since recovered.
Liston, Bheke and Apuia injured, ruled out.
Brandon and Yasir not fully fit, may play 2nd half.
Udanta felt tightness in training today, doubtful.
Thapa was injured last week, missed training for 5 days, now recovered. #Indianfootball #BackTheBlueshttps://t.co/zIpIR6Lxcs— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) May 27, 2022
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On the other hand, ATK Mohun Bagan players joined the squad only on May 26 after competing in the AFC Cup group stage. The Mariners played three games in the space of seven days. The likes of Liston, Manvir, Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan and Subhashish Bose played a key role in the Kolkata-based side entering the inter zonal play-offs of AFC Cup. Liston netted a hat-trick and finished with 4 goals to his name. On asking about having a full quota of players available, Stimac said: “They came very late (May 26, morning) after playing three games in seven days, and hence, we need to be careful with them. We still have over 36 hours ahead for them to recover, and I will be making a decision whether to field them or not on the 28th morning,”
Meanwhile it would be an opportunity for some of the youngsters to get some playing time against a stronger opponent and impress the coach. Sahal Abdul Samad, who had an impressive 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) season is likely to make it to the starting eleven on Saturday. The Kerala Blasters FC midfielder netted 6 goals and played a key role in his side’s run to the final of the ISL. The 25-year-old made only cameo appearances for the Blue Tigers in the 2021 SAFF Cup but scored a brilliant solo goal in the final. He will be hoping to get back into the playing XI and cement his place with some impressive performances.
