I am giving myself another 2-3 days, says Bhaichung (Lead)
January 7th, 2011 - 4:15 pm ICT by IANSDoha, Jan 7 (IANS) India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia does not want to lose hope even as his chances of playing in the AFC Asian Cup receded considerably Friday with the team management unwilling to take a chance with his fitness following his calf muscle injury.Bhutia, however, wants to give himself time till Monday, the day of the opening match against Australia at the Al Sadd Stadium here.
“I am still giving myself two-three days. We can make a change even six hours before the match and Rafi is travelling with us. So even if I am out, Rafi will be leading the attack with Sunil Chettri,” Bhaichung told IANS.
“Missing the Asian Cup would be a disaster for me,” he added.
Chief of delegation Subrata Dutta, who is also the All India Football Federation (AIFF) vice-president, said that the final call will be taken by chief coach Bob Houghton.
“Bob will take a final call on Bhaichung’s inclusion in the team,” said Dutta.
Given that he might not make it to the first match, Bhaichung is trying hard to be fit for the remaining two matches against Bahrain (Jan 14) and South Korea (Jan 18).
I-League’s top scorer and Churchill Brothers striker Mohammad Rafi, who has been put on stand by for the captain, is travelling with the team and will replace Bhaichung if he is ruled out.
If Bhaichung is ruled out, the team management will retain him as a technical official so that the Indian captain can boost the morale of the team from the technical bench. Climax Lawrence or Gourmangi Singh will be leading the team in Bhaichung’s absence.
- Will injured Bhaichung play AFC Asian Cup? - Jan 07, 2011
- Tough to retain an injured Bhaichung in team: AIFF - Jan 07, 2011
- AIFF flip-flop may cost Bhaichung a place in Asian Cup team (Roundup) - Jan 07, 2011
- In another flip-flop, AFC re-registers Bhutia in Asian Cup team (Intro Roundup) - Jan 08, 2011
- India forced to play Rafi in Asian Cup opener - Jan 09, 2011
- Rafi replaces Sushil in India's Asian Cup squad (Lead) - Jan 09, 2011
- Will give our best against Australia: Bhutia - Jan 09, 2011
- Chettri to lead India in AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers - Mar 21, 2011
- Without Bhutia it will be tough against Australia: Chettri - Jan 09, 2011
- AIFF censures Chettri for praising Houghton - Apr 20, 2011
- Nayeemuddin still sore with Bhutia - Aug 24, 2011
- Bhutia says Houghton is not racist, blasts referee Nair - Oct 30, 2010
- India looking to upset UAE in World Cup qualifiers - Jul 22, 2011
- Bhaichung's United Sikkim to boost northeast football - Dec 24, 2010
- Armando drops Bhaichung along with 11 seniors from World Cup probables - Jun 02, 2011
Tags: afc asian cup, aiff, al sadd, asian cup, bhaichung bhutia, bob houghton, calf muscle injury, chief coach, churchill brothers, coach bob, final call, football captain, football federation, indian captain, jan 7, mohammad rafi, south korea, subrata, team management, top scorer