GUWAHATI (India): India coach Igor Stimac announced a 23-member squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar against Bangladesh in Kolkata on Tuesday (October 15, 2019), the AIFF said on their website on Saturday.
Barring Sandesh Jhingan, who suffered an injury in the friendly match against Northeast United FC, and injured Anwar Ali (Jr.), Halicharan Narzary, Farukh Choudhary and Nishu Kumar are released from the camp.
The Blue Tigers will be arriving in Kolkata tomorrow (October 13).
“Halicharan, Farukh and Nishu gave others a tough run for money and the decision was not an easy one. They came very close to their competitors. It was in fact a tough decision to take,” said Stimac. “Sandesh will be missed but knowing him, I’m pretty sure, he’ll come back much stronger.”
‘Sandesh has suffered left knee ACL tear’
Indian National Physio Gigy George informed that “Sandesh has suffered on his left knee ACL tear and need to undergo surgery. It usually takes 6 months for return to sport. He will be monitored constantly during the rehabilitation phase so that he comes back on the field sooner.”
Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, who stood tall against Asian champions termed Sandesh’s absence as ‘a big loss’ for the Blue Tigers.
“It’s really sad. It’s a big loss for us, especially at this moment. I could imagine how would he feel missing this game but he’s a strong guy and he’ll come back strongly soon,” Sandhu said.
