Why was Punjab FC youngster Muhammad Suhail not selected in India squad for November FIFA window?

Suhail was not named in the India U23 squad either, raising doubts.

The Indian football team returns to action when they face off against Bangladesh in their next AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifier on 18 November 2025. Even though the Blue Tigers have already been eliminated from contending to qualify for the tournament, they’ll now play their last two games for pride and look to get at least one win in their tally.

Khalid Jamil has decided to shake up his squad for the game, calling Punjab FC winger Muhammad Suhail, despite the teenage sensation’s impressive performances in 2025.

This was because of the 19-year-old winger performing so well for the India U23 team earlier this year, especially with Suhail getting three goal contributions in the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup qualification.

Why will Muhammad Suhail be absent from the senior and U23 squads?

Suhail looked to be set for a potential senior call-up for the game against Bangladesh, but he’s been struck with cruel luck. That is because the 19-year-old is now not even going to be included in Khalid Jamil’s squad for the game as he’s sustained an injury.

The Punjab FC has ended up suffering a shoulder injury while participating in the AIFF Super Cup with the Shers. Suhail ended up hurting himself before the crucial group stage match against Bengaluru FC and was a notable absentee for that game too.

The 19-year-old had produced some really exciting performances for Punjab FC in the Super Cup, even grabbing two assists in their 3-0 thrashing of Gokulam Kerala. In fact, his promising performances convinced many fans that the young gun would get a selection for the senior team, but he ended up badly injuring his shoulder and now faces a period on the sidelines.

Unfortunately, Suhail would not be able to be called up for the India U23 squad either for their double friendly matches against Thailand U23 in the upcoming November international break.

What’s next for Suhail?

The young winger also remains a doubt for the remainder of the AIFF Super Cup, with Punjab FC set to face off against East Bengal in the semi-finals of the competition.

Suhail broke through to the Punjab FC senior team in the 2024-25 season and has already made 21 appearances for the Indian Super League (ISL) side in such a short period.

The exciting winger, who has thrilled fans with his pace, dribbling ability and impressive final product, will now need to work hard to recover from his shoulder injury and potentially be fit enough for the start of the 2025-26 ISL campaign for Punjab FC.

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