Woes continue for Igor Stimac as the Indian Football Team aim to bounce back from an overwhelming 2-0 loss against Australia. Sahal Abdul Samad who was out of India’s opener has still not attained the fitness, while left-back Akash Mishra emerged as a new concern for Sunil Chhetri & co.
Sahal Abdul Samad is still in the process of recovering, a known fact before India arrived in Qatar for the AFC Asian Cup. Doubts loom over his return against Uzbekistan, as the midfielder trained alone on the pitch a day after India’s 0-2 defeat against Australia. While he participated in the team’s 1v1 session, Sahal avoided facing defenders to prevent potential tackles.
During a training incident, Sahal’s loose touch led goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh close to seizing the ball, prompting Trevor Sinclair to shout “careful,” underscoring Sahal’s significance to the Indian team. However, uncertainties persist about his return in the remaining matches of the competition. Head coach Igor Stimac aims to ensure Sahal’s full fitness before the World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan in March.
On another note, Akash Mishra, expected to be part of the playing XI, had to leave the training session towards the end due to a rough tackle from Mahesh Naorem during a 5v5 game.
Stimac held an extensive discussion with the players at the beginning of the training session. The players, excluding Gurpreet, who were in the XI against Australia, completed laps under the guidance of Luka Radman. Later, they joined Sinclair for light stretching.
The other team, comprising players not featured in the XI, underwent active warm-ups under Radman. The Blue Tigers focused on precise passing, airball drills, el rondos, and heading exercises. The training session concluded with situational exercises and a 5v5 game.
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