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What’s the story?
India striker Blawant Singh has been released from the national team squad’s training camp in Mumbai, after he suffered an injury on his right ankle. In his place, 22-year-old FC Goa striker Manvir Singh has been roped into the national squad.
In case you didn’t know…
Balwant is considered as one of the best strikers in India, after the likes of Sunil Chhetri and Jeje Lalpekhlua. The 30-year-old made his debut earlier this year in a Tri-nation tournament against Mauritius and St Kitts and Nevis. The former Mohun Bagan man managed to get his first goal in India colours during that tournament.
Heart of the matter
Balwant, who had been with the Mumbai City FC squad for their pre-season training ahead of the upcoming ISL 2017 season, had injured his right ankle while training with his club squad in Spain.
Although he did come back to Mumbai to join the national team for their training camp ahead of their AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Myanmar at the Fatorda Stadium in Goa, on November 14.
Balwant, who has injured his right ankle did attend the Indian national team training on Tuesday. However, he has been released from the squad on Wednesday morning, AIFF confirmed to Sportskeeda.
What’s next?
With Balwant gone, the onus will now fall on the other senior strikers in the team, namely captain Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhlua, and Robin Singh.
Author’s take:
India have already qualified for the AFC Asian Cup 2019, and the remaining qualifiers could serve as a good opportunity for head coach Stephen Constantine to give some of the younger players a chance in India colours. 22-year-old Manvir Singh, who has been called up to the squad is certainly one of those players. Constantine has shown a propensity to give more chances to younger players.
