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FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Rahul Bheke injured but may join camp
Bheke was injured while training with Bengaluru FC at the Indian Institute of Sport in Bellary near Bengaluru where they have been training from the third week of September
A groin injury to Rahul Bheke could rule out the defender from India’s match against Bangladesh, here on October 15. Bheke, who plays for Bengaluru FC, though is likely to join the preparatory camp beginning in Guwahati from Thursday so that head coach Igor Stimac and the team’s medical staff can assess his condition. The match against Bangladesh is India’s third tie in group E of the 2022 World Cup and the 2023 Asian Cup qualifiers.
“Bheke has a groin injury. Earlier, it was decided that Bheke would not be part of the camp. But later, head coach Stimac and the team doctor felt they should check the extent of injury and so Bheke could travel to Guwahati,” said an official in the All India Football Federation on Wednesday.
“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,” the AIFF tweeted earlier on Wednesday.
Bheke was injured while training with Bengaluru FC at the Indian Institute of Sport in Bellary near Bengaluru where they have been training from the third week of September to defend the Indian Super League (ISL) title. The ISL starts on October 20.
Bheke played in both qualifiers, the 1-2 loss to Oman in Guwahati and the 0-0 draw against Qatar in Doha. Comfortable as right-back and centre-back, Bheke has played six internationals, all under Stimac. Except for the match against North Korea in the Intercontinental Cup, where Pritam Kotal played right-back, Bheke has started all games since Stimac took charge.
