India vs Malaysia: Jay Gupta called-up by Manolo Marquez; two full-backs ruled out

The Blue Tigers have suffered a couple of injury setbacks just before the Malaysia game.

Indian Football Team’s preparations for the upcoming friendly against Malaysia has faced yet another setback following injuries to defenders Aakash Sangwan and  Asish Rai on Sunday. The national team head coach Manolo Marquez has called up FC Goa defender Jay Gupta to join the national camp starting today in Hyderabad.

🚨Indian national team update 🚨FC Goa left-back Jay Gupta has joined the squad in Hyderabad ahead of tomorrow’s friendly against Malaysia.While Aakash Sangwan and Asish Rai have been released due to injuries.#ISL #indianfootball #bluetigers #football pic.twitter.com/ufBULjhCg4

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) November 17, 2024

The Spaniard is hoping that the 23-year-old repays his faith in kind as they prepare themselves for their forthcoming encounter on November 18. Having already made 2 international appearances, Gupta will be keen to impress this time around. The Indian Football Team will be keen to prove a point. The announcement about the injury to Rai and Sangwan isn’t ideal for coach Marquez, who will be desperate for his first win.

Despite the injuries, Marquez has selected a pretty solid squad for the upcoming game against Malaysia. Boasting a squad motivated to record their first win is going to be something that Marquez will be banking on ahead of the Malaysia game. The squad consists of a good mix of vibrant young players and experienced campaigners. Younger members of the senior team set-up will be looking forward to the opportunity of being mentored by veteran counterparts.

Jay Gupta’s addition would add defensive solidity

Bengaluru FC goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is expected to continue in goal for India having kept 5 clean sheets in 8 matches this ISL season. Odisha FC goalkeeper Amrinder Singh and Mohun Bagan Super Giant goalkeeper Vishal Kaith will serve as able deputies in the upcoming game.

The Spaniard has a lot of experienced central defenders to pick from Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana Singh, Mehtab Singh, Rahul Bheke and Anwar Ali. He can compliment them with young and hungry full-backs and rising stars like FC Goa right-back Jay Gupta, Bengaluru FC full-back Naorem Roshan Singh, and Mumbai City FC’s Hmingthanmawia Ralte.

Can Jay Gupta fill the Rai-Sangwan void?

The FC Goa defender has been reliable for Marquez in Goa who will be looking to bank on another familiar face. His ability to clear his lines while facing pressure and to bring the ball from the defense will be invaluable for the Spaniard. While he won’t be an immediate starter in the team, any substitute appearance to close out the game will be a huge confidence boost.

Midfielders like Suresh Singh Wangjham and Apuia are likely to rein their spot in the middle of the park after impressing last time around against Vietnam.

Also Read: India vs Malaysia lineups, team news, prediction & preview

India’s attack will be key for any positive results

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

Marquez also will have NorthEast United FC star Jithin MS, who has been in superb form having recorded 4 assists in 8 matches in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season.

Manolo Marquez & Indian Football Team need to get the job done

Marquez will see the Malaysia game as an essential testing ground that will help him compare his team’s progress. They will be taking on a Malaysian side, known for their physical brand of football and structured gameplan. India will be put under a lot of pressure from the first whistle till the very last.

The Spaniard will be keen to see how new players like Thoiba Singh, Vibin Mohanan and Jithin MS perform under the bright lights. A unique opportunity for the youngsters to prove themselves, Marquez will be looking to blood these youngsters on an international platform. They will be keen for the Malaysia challenge and ready to present the Blue Pilgrims their first win in 2024.

Updated Indian team squad for Malaysia friendly

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

Defenders: Anwar Ali, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Hmingthanmawia Ralte, Jay Gupta, 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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