Sunil Chhetri injured, will miss international friendlies in Bahrain

The Indian Men’s Football Team will be missing the services of its talisman and one of the most successful strikers Sunil Chhetri for the upcoming friendly matches in Bahrain, later this month. Picking up a few injuries along with the Hero ISL 2021-22 season, he has decided to fully recover from the niggling injuries first and is hence, set to miss the trip to Bahrain.

However, the talented striker is determined to get back on the pitch as soon as possible ahead of the Blue Tigers’ preparatory camp for the third round of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in May, later this year.

“I was really looking forward to the two friendlies against Bahrain and Belarus and it’s a shame I’ll be missing out. It’s been a long, tough season and I’ve suffered a few small injuries that need time to heal. I will be doing all I can to recover in time for the predatory camp in May,”  

Sunil said to the www.aiff.com

The Indian national team will be playing a couple of International friendlies in Bahrain as a warm-up ahead of the 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kolkata, later this year. Igor Stimac had already announced a 38-member list, including Sunil Chhetri, for the preparatory camp, starting on March 10, in Pune, ahead of the assignment in March.

The squad will travel to Bahrain on March 21, scheduled to play the hosts on March 23, and against Belarus on March 26. Despite his absence, Chhetri is confident that the Indian team will hit the correct notes in the international ties.

“The potential this squad possesses is immense, and a lot of the lads are riding high on confidence on the back of good performances in the League season. I’m certain we’ll put out best foot forward. I’m wishing the team all the luck,” added the Bengaluru FC footballer.