AFC Asian Cup 2023, India Injury Update: Could Sahal Abdul Samad feature in their do-or-die match against Syria?

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There is some good news in the waiting for the Indian football team ahead of their crucial final group game against Syria in the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Injured Sahal Abdul Samad may return to action in the match.

According to RevSportz, Sahal Abdul Samad has started participating in full training sessions along with the rest of the team. Ahead of their last two AFC Asian Cup 2023 matches, Sahal had been training alone.

He was not involved in training with the rest of his teammates for fear of aggravating his ankle injury even further from tackles. However, he participated in the mini-games on Friday. Hence, even if he's not fully recovered, he seems to be doing well.

Talking to the ISL Media team, ahead of their last match against Syria, Sahal gave an update on his injury. He said, “I’m still not completely back. With the help of physios, doctors, and coaches, I'm still trying to be back.”

He added, “Hopefully I'll be ready for the next game. If I get the chance, I'll make sure I give my 100 per cent to win the game. It's not about me but about the team.” It seems Sahal could get some playing time in India's last AFC Asian Cup 2023 clash against Syria.

Considering he has been out of the ground for some time now, the coach could feature him off the bench. They now have a do-or-die situation in hand against Syria. Hence, Sahal’s inclusion could also help India a great deal.

Sahal Abdul Samad is among the long list of injuries for the Indian team at the AFC Asian Cup, affecting the strength of the team significantly. A team without first-team players Anwar Ali, Jeakson Singh, and Ashique Kuruniyan has suffered back-to-back defeats in the group stages so far.

They have suffered especially in the face of more injuries among the squad that's already in Qatar. Along with Sahal, coach Igor Stimac was handed another injury in Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Chhangte was reportedly feeling uncomfortable in his groin area for two days before the match. Hence, the coach didn't risk him. There has been no news on the Chhangte front so far since before the match.