Thatal reportedly left out of Indian Arrows squad

Kolkata, November 24: India's Under-17 World Cupper Komal Thatal has been left out the Indian Arrows team which will compete in the I League season for the first time, according to reports.

The Indian Arrows, a team formed under the auspices of AIFF include players from U-19 and U-17 squads and will be coached by India U-17 coach Luis Norton De Matos.

But as per reports, the head coach has now released the Sikkim born player from the Arrows squad and the young player is now free to sign for any other I-League clubs.

The youngster, who impressed during India's World Cup campaign, especially in the opening match against USA, reportedly caught the attention of many European scouts.

Surprisingly, De Matos benched him for the rest of the tournament. After the World Cup, the Portuguese coach left Thatal out of the Indian squad for the AFC Championship as well and reports emerged that he had fallen out of favour with the boss.

All said and done, the youngster now has to look up for a better opportunity to play in the I-League.

But with the kind of talent he has, Thatal can truly grow as a footballer if he keeps on working hard.

East Bengal get the nod

Meanwhile, East Bengal have been cleared to play in their first match against Aizawl FC at YBK stadium on November 28.

Earlier the West Bengal Government announced that East Bengal's match with the I-League champions may be put off becuase of an Indian Super League (ISL) fixture.

East Bengal may have to forfeit first I-League home game

The government regulations do not permit two matches to be held in 48 hours' time at the same venue. ISL team ATK take on FC Pune City on November 26 and in two days' time, East Bengal were scheduled to play Aizawl at the same venue.

However, despite the rule, the State Sports Department has now sent a letter to East Bengal, freeing them to use the Stadium to host their first I-League match of the season.