2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | Rahul Bheke to miss Bangladesh tie due to injury

On Wednesday, the All India Football Association (AIFF) announced on his official Twitter handle that Bheke ‘will not be able to join’ India’s preparatory camp in Guwahati in the build-up to the Bangladesh match.

“Owing to an injury, @RahulBheke will not be able to join the #BlueTigers’ preparatory camp before @FIFAWorldCup qualifier against Bangladesh. We wish him a speedy recovery,” stated AIFF’s official Twitter handle.

It was just one week ago that head coach Igor Stimac announced a 29-member squad for the preparatory camp. But now, the Blue Tigers will have to manage without the defender. India recently scripted a historic draw away to Qatar in the qualifiers after losing to Oman 1-2 a few days before that game. Igor Stimac and company will face Bangladesh at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 15 and star striker Sunil Chhetri, who missed the Qatar match, is likely to play in Kolkata.

Following which, India has two away matches lined-up next month during the Indian Super League break. Igor Stimac’s boys will play Afghanistan on November 14 and Oman on November 19.