Indian Football Team Hit Hard: Pivotal duo Anwar Ali & Jeakson Singh sidelined by injuries

Both players are expected to be out of action for a minimum of eight weeks.

The Indian Football Team is grappling with significant challenges as key players Anwar Ali and Jeakson Singh face long-term injuries, casting a shadow on their upcoming crucial joint qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup 2027. Head coach Igor Stimac finds himself in a precarious position with these indispensable players ruled out for a minimum of 7-8 weeks.

Setbacks and Strategies

The Blue Tigers are scheduled to play their first qualifying match against Kuwait on 16th November, followed by a home game against the defending AFC Asian Cup champions, Qatar, on 21st November. These matches are pivotal for Stimac’s squad as they aim to make history by advancing to the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Jeakson Singh's Shoulder Woes

Jeakson Singh, a vital player for both Kerala Blasters and the Indian Football Team, sustained a shoulder injury during a match against Mumbai City on 8th October. The star midfielder is expected to be sidelined for two months, necessitating surgery and a lengthy recovery period. This setback comes at a crucial time as the team prepares for two vital World Cup Qualifiers. Singh, who gained prominence with his historic goal against Colombia in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, has been a preferred choice for Stimac, playing a pivotal role in midfield. 

With Jeakson's absence, the spotlight now turns to Stimac’s tactical acumen and his ability to pull a rabbit out of the hat to address this midfield conundrum as he finalizes his squad for the upcoming matches.

Anwar Ali's Unfortunate Ankle Injury

Anwar Ali, a key defender for Mohun Bagan Super Giant and a regular in the Indian team, has formed a formidable partnership with the experienced Sandesh Jhingan. Ali's composed ball-playing ability perfectly complements Jhingan’s aggressive style, creating a balanced defensive duo.

Unfortunately, Ali sustained an ankle injury during an AFC Cup 2023-24 match against Basundhara Kings, leaving him on crutches and facing a recovery period of at least two months. This injury marks another challenging phase in Ali’s career, reminiscent of his 22-month hiatus from football due to a heart condition diagnosis in 2019. Thanks to the intervention of mentor Ranjit Bajaj and experts from London, Ali was able to make a triumphant return to football and the national team. Since then, he has consistently been in Stimac’s lineup, demonstrating resilience and skill on the field.

Defensive Dilemmas

In Ali's absence, Stimac may consider Lalchungnunga and Mehtab Singh as potential replacements, although they do not possess similar traits to Ali. Chinglensana Singh, another ball-playing centre-back, could also be in contention for a call-up after impressing at the Asian Games.

The Road Ahead

The Indian football team’s squad for the upcoming matches is eagerly anticipated, with fans and stakeholders hoping for no further injuries. As Stimac navigates these challenges, the resilience and adaptability of the team will be put to the test, with the ultimate goal of advancing in the prestigious tournaments and making a mark on the international football stage.