FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Ashish Negi
The Indian football team has started their preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup joint-qualifiers. India will play their final matches of the second round against Kuwait on June 6 at home before facing Qatar on June 11 away from home.
The Blue Tigers have an historic chance to qualify for the third round of the qualifiers for the first time. However, Igor Stimac has faced multiple setbacks in the build-up to these high stakes games, including an ACL injury to Akash Mishra as reported earlier by Khel Now.
In a fresh update, Khel Now has learnt that the national team will miss out on the services of eight more players due to injuries and personal reasons. This comes as another blow to the Blue Tigers in their preparations for the crucial matches.
“Nine players have been released from the ongoing Indian football team camp ahead of the upcoming qualifiers against Kuwait and Qatar. While eight players are nursing an injury, one player has cited personal reasons for his absence,” a source close to the situation disclosed to Khel Now.
The name of the players who have been released from the camp are:
Rosham Singh Naorem – Injury
Mohammad Yasir – Injury
Vibin Mohanan – Injury
Rahul Kannoly Praveen – Injury
Isak Vanlalruratfela – Injury
Akash Mishra – Injury
Deepak Tangri – Injury
Lalrinzuala Hauhnar – Injury
Lalengmawia – Personal Reason (University Exam)
The above-mentioned list consists of three regular starters for the national team namely Lalengmawia, Akash Mishra, and Deepak Tangri. Moreover, the absence of impactful players like Rahul KP, Mohammad Yasir, Roshan Singh will not help either.
It is a point of huge concern for India’s head coach Igor Stimac and his coaching staff because both Kuwait and Qatar will not let India have it easy. Plus, not having a fully fit squad will only add more woes to India’s disastrous run of form this year.
Mohammad Yasir had another great season in Indian top flight and recorded impressive numbers in three goals and seven assists across all competitions. Vibin Mohanan on the other hand had a breakthrough season with the Kerala Blasters and played a crucial role for the Yellow Army while scoring a goal and providing three assists.
Isak Vanlalruatfela was one of Odisha FC’s best players. He was a livewire upfront and managed to score seven goals and created four assists throughout the season. Deepak Tangri has become an important player for the national team as well as Mohun Bagan. Tangri was among Bagan’s best midfield maestros for his ball winning capabilities and ability to keep things tight at the back.
The long injury list raises concern about India’s chances of even putting up a strong fight in their remaining games let alone qualifying. And it remains to be seen how the national team copes up with the absence of many influential players.
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