Kolkata: Defender Sandesh Jhingan was on Thursday ruled out of India’s Group E FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh to be played at the Saltlake Stadium here on October 15.
The India right back, who made an impact in India’s gallant goalless draw against Qatar last month, sustained an ankle injury during a friendly match against North East United in Guwahati on Wednesday. “Owing to an injury sustained in the friendly game against NEUFC, Sandesh Jhingan has been ruled out from the forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bangladesh on October 15. We wish him a speedy recovery,” the All India Football Federation tweeted.
Jhingan’s absence will a big setback for India as it is already suffering from injury concerns to defensive midfielder Pronay Halder and Rahul Bheke, who is nursing a groin injury. The Blue Tigers team will reach Kolkata on Sunday.
On the other hand, Indian football team defender Pritam Kotal is excited to play his first match at the home ground and promised to give his all when his side face Bangladesh in a World Cup qualifiers game at the Saltlake Stadium.
After a gritty goal-less draw against Asian champions Qatar in Doha, the Indian players are currently in a preparatory camp in Guwahati. The Igor Stimac-coached side will reach here on Sunday in what would be India’s first match in Kolkata since their 3-2 win over Malaysia in a friendly in November 2011.
“It’s going to be the first International match in Kolkata for almost everyone of us (except Sunil Chhetri). It’s a bit more emotional for me. I’m thrilled but I can’t afford to be carried away by the occasion. If our coach puts in faith on me, I’ll give my life,” the 26-year-old, who made his international debut in 2015, told PTI from Guwahati.
Ticket demands has been on a high with already 34,000 being sold and Kotal urged the fans to turn up in large numbers. (PTI)
