Chetri to miss Jordan friendly

TT, 13 Nov 2018, Calcutta/ New Delhi: India's star striker Sunil Chetri will miss the upcoming international friendly against Jordan due to an ankle injury that has ruled him out for at least two weeks.

Chetri suffered the injury during Bengaluru FC's ISL V match against Kerala Blasters on November 5.

Chetri pulled up immediately after scoring a goal in the 17th minute against Kerala Blasters on November 5 as he was tackled by Sandesh Jhingan.

Despite moving gingerly for the next few minutes after the goal was scored, he played for the rest of the game as his side picked up a 2-1 win.

"The BFC medical team have shared the MRI reports and medical assessments and we have scrutinised them thoroughly.

Sunil needs rest of around two weeks and proper rehabilitation after which he can get back to training," said Indian team's physiotherapist Gigy George.

Shervin Sheriff, doctor of the Indian team, added: "He can't travel with this injury as it's a weight-bearing joint.

"He needs to have proper rest along with the rehab programme for a speedy recovery. We are closely monitoring the situation and following it up with the club medical team and Sunil himself." "Chetri underwent an MRI scan as he was moving uncomfortably after the game.

The report was shared with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and it was decided to give him rest," informed a Bengaluru FC official.

The match against Jordan is slated to be played at the King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman on November 17. The Indian will depart for the game on November 15.

India have been clubbed with hosts UAE, Thailand and Bahrain in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and play their first match against Thailand in the Continental Championship on January 6, 2019.

The Bengaluru FC striker was included in the 30-man probables list announced by head coach Stephen Constantine three days before the match in Kochi.

The injury means Chetri will also be missing Bengaluru FC's match against FC Goa on November 22.

India's all-time top goalscorer, with 65 to his name already, has scored four goals in ISL V.