Indian Football Team have been dealt with a major blow with Sahal Abdul Samad set to miss the AFC Asian Cup 2023. The Blue Tigers have already reached Doha to prepare for the continental piece which is set to commence from January 12.
India’s AFC Campaign has already been marred with injuries with Anwar Ali and Ashique Kuruniyan sidelined for a long time. Jeakson Singh, Glan Martins and Rohit Kumar has also added to the woes of Igor Stimac. Now, to make matters worse, Sahal Abdul Samad has added to the growing number of absentees,
Sahal Abdul Samad had to leave training mid-way owing to intense ankle pain. Medical guidance suggested a return to play only after achieving complete pain relief, with a follow-up scan scheduled in the third week of January to assess the affected ligament. This meant he would miss the continental piece, deepening Igor Stimac’s worries.
Fitness concerns were raised about Sahal Abdul Samad even before the final squad was announced. His absence from competitive matches for over three weeks, attributed to a recurring ankle injury, meant that his inclusion hinged on a delicate balance.
India will begin their AFC Asian Cup 2023 campaign in Group B, with Australia, Uzbekistan, and Syria. The voyage begins on January 13 against the Socceroos, followed by a play against Uzbekistan on the 18th and a group stage encounter against Syria on the 23rd. Before the event, Igor Stimac announced a roster of 26 players.
India’s 26-member squad for the AFC Asian Cup 2023
Goalkeepers: Amrinder Singh, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith.
Defenders: Akash Mishra, Lalchungnunga, Mehtab Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Pritam Kotal, Rahul Bheke, Sandesh Jhingan, Subhasish Bose.
Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Udanta Singh.
Forwards: Ishan Pandita, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Rahul Kannoly Praveen, Sunil Chhetri, Vikram Partap Singh.
India’s Group B fixtures at the AFC Asian Cup 2023
- January 13, 2024: Australia vs India (17:00 IST, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)
- January 18, 2024: India vs Uzbekistan (20:00 IST, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)
- January 23, 2024: Syria vs India (17:00 IST, Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)
