Injury concern for Indian football team; key players ruled out of Malaysia friendly

The Blue Tigers will be missing two key players for the November international break

Indian Football Team’s preparations for the upcoming friendly against Malaysia faced an unprecedented setback following injuries to midfielder Anirudh Thapa and forward Vikram Pratap Singh on Monday. The national team head coach Manolo Marquez has called up Odisha FC midfielder Thoiba Singh to join the national camp starting today in Hyderabad.

🚨Indian national team update 🚨Due to injuries, midfielder Anirudh Thapa & forward Vikram Partap Singh will not join the National Team camp for Malaysia match.Thoiba Singh will replace the former. The camp begins today in Hyderabad.#indianfootball #ISL #football pic.twitter.com/rxHloALnd1

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) November 11, 2024

The Spaniard is hoping that the 21-year-old repays his faith in kind as they prepare themselves for their forthcoming encounter against Malaysia on November 18. The former India U-23 international will be keen to build on his impressive recent performance against Mohun Bagan Super Giants in the upcoming friendly.

Will the Indian Football Team finally record a win in 2024?

The announcement about the injury to Thapa and Singh has put a spanner in the plans of coach Marquez, who is still searching for his first win as national team head coach. Despite the injuries, Marquez has selected a pretty solid squad for the upcoming game against Malaysia. A squad hungry to notch up their first win will be something that Marquez will be banking on against Malaysia.

The squad has a good mix of vibrant young players and experienced campaigners. Veteran players will be looking forward to the opportunity of mentoring their young counterparts in the senior team set-up.

Defensive solidity will be key for India

Goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is expected to continue in goal for India having kept 5 clean sheets in 8 matches this ISL season. He will be backed up by Odisha FC goalkeeper Amrinder Singh and Mohun Bagan Super Giants goalkeeper Vishal Kaith, who have served as able deputies in the past games.

In defense, the Spaniard can pick experienced central defenders in Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke and rising star Anwar Ali, who was the man of the match against Mohammedan SC. He can compliment them with young and hungry full-backs and rising stars like FC Goa left-back Aakash Sangwan, Bengaluru FC full-back Naorem Roshan Singh, Mohun Bagan Super Giants right-back Asish Rai and Mumbai City FC’s Hmingthanmawia Ralte.

Will Thoiba Singh be able to fill the Thapa void?

The midfield will be a key area of concern for Marquez who will be missing the dynamic presence of Anirudh Thapa for his ball control and creative play. His absence is a blow to India’s strategy, especially against Malaysia’s strong midfield. While the call-up of young Thoiba Singh is a huge call by the Spaniard, Suresh Singh Wangjham and Apuia are likely to rein their spot in the middle of the park after impressing last time around against Vietnam.

Can India’s attack finally deliver the goods?

Notably, the injury to forward Vikram Pratap Singh weakens the forward line, which needs agility and sharpness to penetrate Malaysia’s defense. His tireless energy and positioning in the box would have added an attacking edge, but Marquez will have replacements in his mind.

Players like wingers Lallianzualla Chhangte and Manvir Singh have stepped up for their respective clubs in recent ISL games. While Chhangte has contributed with a goal and 2 assists, Singh has contributed with 2 goals and an assist this season. Farukh Choudhary will be again on the prowl and keen to build on his performance against Vietnam last time around.

Marquez also will be looking at NorthEast United FC star Jithin MS, who has recorded 4 assists in 8 matches in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season.

ALSO READ: Jithin MS on life struggles, ISL journey, Indian national team dream, growing up in Kerala & more

What’s at stake for Manolo Marquez & Indian Football Team in the upcoming match?

The game against Malaysia offers Marquez an essential testing ground, to gauge his team’s progress while also to experiment how they function as a unit. They will be facing a Malaysia side, known for their physical style and structured gameplay, and will put India under a lot of pressure.

It will also allow the Spaniard to see how new players like Thoiba Singh, Vibin Mohanan and Jithin MS perform under the bright lights. It will be an important opportunity for the youngsters to prove themselves on an international platform. They will be keen for the Malaysia challenge and ready to make a mark and record their first win in 2024.

Updated Indian team squad for Malaysia friendly

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

Defenders: Aakash Sangwan, Anwar Ali, Asish Rai, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke, Roshan Singh Naorem, Sandesh Jhingan.

Midfielders: Thoiba Singh, Brandon Fernandes, Jeakson Singh Thounaojam, Jithin MS, Lalengmawia Ralte, Liston Colaco, Suresh Singh Wangjam, Vibin Mohanan.

Forwards: Edmund Lalrindika, Irfan Yadwad, Farukh Choudhary, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh.

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