Which players are set to miss India's WC Qualifiers due to injuries?

While a few players will mark a return to India’s squad, some have been knocked out due to injuries in recent times.

India’s final squad for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers against Afghanistan has been announced today. As some players secure their spots in the squad, others have been omitted. The 25-member team comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, 10 midfielders, and four forwards.

In the meanwhile, one of the primary concerns for the management is the injury issues affecting some players. Although Sahal Abdul Samad is fully fit and Anwar is returning after recovering from his injury, two important lieutenants of Igor Stimac are unable to participate due to injuries.

Sandesh Jhingan’s Injury 

Jhingan has played a pivotal role in the Indian team. His defensive presence not only mitigates threats, but also provides valuable experience for younger players, supporting and guiding them in their tactical development on the field.

The player’s most recent appearance was during the 2023 AFC Asian Cup match against Syria, where he sustained a knee injury while tackling a Syrian player. Despite receiving medical attention and briefly continuing to play, he was eventually substituted. Consequently, he has been inactive since then and has not taken part in any matches for his club, FC Goa.

Ashique Kuruniyan’s injury

Ashique Kuruniyan has been a crucial member of the Indian squad since his debut in 2018, having represented the country 30 times. Unfortunately, during the King’s Cup match in 2023 against Iraq, Kuruniyan sustained an ACL injury in his knee, necessitating his absence from the game. He was consequently not included in the Indian squad for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. 

Although he is currently undergoing rehabilitation, it will still take several months for him to make a full recovery and return to the field.

Lalchungnunga

East Bengal defender Lalchungnunga was subtituted during the Kolkata derby on 10 March. The seriousness of his injury is yet to be revealed but it is believed that he has been dropped from the squad for the same.

Indian squad for matches against Afghanistan

Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Amrinder Singh, Vishal Kaith. 

Defenders: Akash Mishra, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Nikhil Poojary, Subhasish Bose, Anwar Ali, Amey Ranawade, Jay Gupta. 

Midfielders: Anirudh Thapa, Brandon Fernandes, Liston Colaco, Mahesh Singh Naorem, Sahal Abdul Samad, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Deepak Tangri, Lalengmawia Ralte, Imran Khan. 

Forwards: Sunil Chhetri, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Vikram Partap Singh. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.