As the Indian team gets ready to assemble in Doha for the Asian Cup, they do so in a day, there is some good news regarding the fitness of Sahal Abdul Samad. Sahal who hasn’t played in the last 3 weeks is nearing full fitness and is expected to be ready for the first game.
While he reported a very slight discomfort over the outer ankle while receiving a pass with his inner foot yesterday, the best news for Indian football fans is that he is pain free at the moment. And that’s what should please the Indian team management no end. His presence will be important for India and this is one piece of news that should ease some of Coach Igor Stimac’s worries as he gets ready to announce the final team. It is expected that with treatments and rehab, Sahal will be fit soon.
No real surprises are expected in the team with the coach making it clear that making the national team doesn’t depend on one or two good performances in the ISL. He is expected to go in with a preferred bunch, a set of players who have now been with him for the past few years. While no miracles are expected from the Asian Cup, a good showing will certainly give the team confidence ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Afghanistan in March 2024. The team will train for the next 12 days in Doha before playing the first match against Australia on 13 January 2024.
In another update, Rohit, who had a MCL mild sprain few days back is much better now and is on the mend.