Injury rules out multiple players, others doubtful in Indian team before Laos clash

THE INJURY CRISIS in the Indian national team camp is claiming casualties now, and it has burned a particularly deep hole in the Blue Tigers' midfield and defence.

Aizawl FC captain David Lalrinmuana has been ruled out of participation in the upcoming double header against Laos in the playoff for the third round of the Asian Cup Qualifiers. He picked up an injury on the first day of the camp. Pronay Halder, the Mohun Bagan medio, has also joined him in the list of those missing out from national duty due to injuries. Salgaocar centre back Augustine Fernandes, who got injured on the second day of the camp, is also going to miss out on the season-ending international fixtures. East Bengal duo Cavin Lobo and Bikash Jairu haven't even joined the camp due to injuries. Robin Singh and CK Vineeth also have not showed up.

Among those doubtful for the matches, there is the Mohun Bagan duo, striker Jeje Lalpekhlua and wingback Pritam Kotal. Both their injuries are expected to heal before the final squad departs for Laos to play the first leg away from home, but there my not be enough time to fully test them for match fitness. It will be a similar case with the Bengaluru FC players, who will join the camp later today. The likes of Sunil Chhetri and Eugeneson Lyngdoh will not get the thorough physical screening and tests that players usually go through to ascertain their physical condition at the start of every preparatory camp.

The physio and the fitness trainers are hard at work behind the scenes and head coach Stephen Constantine will pin all his hopes on them; to get some of the doubtful players back on their feet and provide the team with some much needed squad depth as they prepare to play the two matches that will determine their course of action over the next three years.