With only nine days before their crucial World Cup qualifying match against Kyrgyzstan, a host of key players of the Bangladesh national football team are in a state of missing the match with various injuries and sickness. Bangladesh take on Kyrgyzstan on October 13 in Bishkek and ahead of the game, a 30-member preliminary squad is undergoing an intense training under the supervision of their new coach Fabio Lopez.
But Lopez is now facing a selection dilemma before announcing his final squad for the game; as seven of his first team members are suffering from either injuries or illness.
According to team doctor Sazib Shams Bakshi, Bangladesh is likely to miss the services of several of its crucial players like — Zahid Hasan Ameli, Sohel Rana, Yeasin Khan and Zahid Hossain.
Ace forward Ameli didn’t join the residential camp at the BKSP as he was recently diagnosed with tumor in his abdomen. So, there is no chance of him to return to the field before the match against Kyrgyzstan.
Sohel Rana, the young attacking midfielder, left the camp two days ago due to a hamstring injury in his right leg. The team doctor suggested the midfielder to take rest for at least eight to nine days.
The team also received another huge blow when its right winger Zahid Hossain received an ankle injury two days before. He was also been prescribed to take a one-week rest.
The Sheikh Russell winger expressed his frustration with the injury, saying that, ‘It’s really frustrating to be injured before such a crucial encounter.’
‘Actually I will learn more about my injury after taking rest for seven-eight days. But I am really in doubt about my recovery before the Kyrgyzstan clash.’
So, it is almost certain that along with Ameli, Sohel Rana and Zahid Hossain are almost certain to miss the match.
In the absence of Nasiruddin Chowdhury, stopper back Yeasin Khan was main choice in the defense for Bangladesh but the young defender has been suffering from tonsillitis. He is currently under the supervision of an ENT specialist but might return before the Kyrgyzstan tie.
In-form goalkeeper Shahidul Alam Sohel is straggling with an ankle injury for the last few weeks. Even Though he stayed at the camp, the team doctor said he was not fully fit yet.
‘Sohel is still feeling pain while jumping for a ball,’ said Sazib adding that, ‘but I hope he will recover soon.’
Young forward Mohammad Rumman, who impressed the Italian coach and remained in the 30-member squad, was forced to leave the camp three days ago due to viral fever.
‘He has been given rest at his home and was asked to join the camp after completing his antibiotic course,’ said the team doctor.
Stopper back Atiqur Rahman Meshu has also been suffering from fever but the doctor said his condition is not that serious.
Besides, lately included midfielder Hemanta Vincent Biswas, who was given a one-year suspended ban for playing an unauthorised match in Dinajpur last month without taking the permission from team management, is yet to gain the full rhythm. The emerging midfielder has recently recovered from a hamstring injury.
-With New Age input
