The Indian Men’s Football Team will be missing the services of one of its most successful striker Sunil Chhetri for the upcoming friendly matches in Bahrain, later this month. Picking up a few injuries along the Hero ISL 2021-22 season, he will be giving the trip a miss.

However, the talismanic footballer is determined to recover as soon as possible ahead of the Blue Tigers’ preparatory camp for the third round of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in May, later this year.

"I was really looking forward to the two friendlies against Baharain and Belarus and it's a shame I'll be missing out. It's been a long, tough season and I've suffered a few small injuries that need time to heal. I will be doing all I can to recover in time for the predatory camp in May," Sunil mentioned to www.the-aiff.com.

The Indian national team will be playing a couple of International friendlies in Bahrain as a warm-up ahead of the 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Kolkata, later this year. Igor Stimac had already announced a 38-member list, including Sunil Chhetri, for the preparatory camp, starting on March 10, in Pune, ahead of the assignment in March.

The squad will travel to Bahrain on March 21, scheduled to play the hosts on March 23, and against Belarus on March 26. Despite his absence, Chhetri is confident that the Indian team will hit the correct notes in the International ties.

"The potential this squad possesses is immense, and a lot of the lads are riding high on confidence on the back of good performances in the League season. I'm certain we'll put out best foot forward. I'm wishing the team all the luck," added the Bengaluru FC footballer.