Indian football team hit by major injury blow ahead of Maldives clash

In a major blow for the Indian football team, striker Manvir Singh has been released from the national camp due to an injury. The Indian football team faces Maldives in an international friendly on Wednesday (19 March) and Bangladesh on 25 March in their first AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

Indian team receives Manvir Singh blow

Manvir Singh will now return to the base camp of his club Mohun Bagan Super Giant in Kolkata

“Manvir Singh has been released from the Indian squad due to an injury. Manvir has left the camp in Shillong and will return to Kolkata,” AIFF said on X.

While Manvir plays as a right winger for this club Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League (ISL), he is primarily a striker and a senior player in the Indian national team. He has scored seven goals in 46 matches for India.

More from Football

India vs Maldives football: When and where to watch Sunil Chhetri's return to international football India beat Maldives as Chhetri scores on return: Three major talking points from 3-0 win in Shillong

Also Read | Sunil Chhetri’s love for Indian national team drives his return, sending a message to football clubs

Manvir has scored five goals and made four assists for Mohun Bagan in 23 matches of the ongoing ISL season. His absence will pile more pressure on 40-year-old Sunil Chhetri who recently reversed his international retirement to once again play for India.

The Indian football team has been forced to bring Chhetri back due to a lack of goal-scoring options and Manvir’s recent injury only adds to their headache.