Bangladesh Trims Squad to 30 for Saudi Arabia Camp Ahead of India Clash
Bangladesh national football team coach Javier Cabrera has reduced the squad size for the upcoming training camp in Saudi Arabia.
Initially, Cabrera named a 38-player preliminary squad on February 9, but on Wednesday, he trimmed it down to 30. The decision comes as Bangladesh prepares for the third round of AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against India.
Notably, experienced goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico and defender Yasin Khan have been left out, along with Sakib Al Hasan, Murad Hasan, Mehedi Hasan, Zahid Hasan Shanto, Rabbi Hossain Rahul, and Rafiqul Islam.
As expected, Sheffield United loanee and Bangladesh-origin midfielder Hamza Choudhury has retained his place in the squad. Serie A D player Fahamedul Islam is also included.
Bangladesh will face India on March 25 in Shillong. Before that, the team will undergo an intensive training camp in Saudi Arabia to fine-tune their preparations.
Excluding Hamza and Fahamedul, the remaining 28 players have been instructed to report to team manager Amer Khan by Friday, as per the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).
Bangladesh 30-Man Preliminary Squad:
Mitul Marma, Sujan Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Shrabon, Shakil Ahad Topu, Rahmat Mia, Shakil Hossain, Isa Faisal, Taj Uddin, Kazi Tariq Raihan, Topu Barman, Suman Reza, Sushanta Tripura, Mohammad Hridoy, Papon Singh, Syed Shah Kazem Kirmani, Sohel Rana, Sohel Rana Jr., Chandon Roy, Mojibur Rahman Jony, Sheikh Morsalin, Jamal Bhuiyan, Hamza Choudhury, Faisal Ahmed Fahim, Rakib Hossain, Shahriar Emon, Mohammad Ibrahim, Arif Hossain, Al Amin, Piyas Ahmed Nova, Fahamedul Islam
This squad will be put through its paces in Saudi Arabia as they gear up for a crucial clash against India.