Booters reach Qatar for WC qualifier

Bangladesh men’s national team reached Qatar on Thursday to play their away fixture of the forthcoming World Cup 2022 and Asia Cup 2023 qualifier against the hosts on December 4.  

Bangladesh received a late shock as one of their their key players, striker Nabib Newaz Jibon discovered his knee injury lately and was left out at home instead of taking the flight as 23-man squad is set to take on the current Asian champion in their own backyard. 

During the second half against Nepal on Tuesday, Jibon had a contact with the opponent goalkeeper that he initially thought as nothing serious and continued playing but after finishing the game he felt pain.

The MRI report next day came out in the night and shocked the versatile forward. He is now likely to miss the tough Qatar game on December 4.

Jibon said that the doctor advised him to take rest for three to four weeks and the physio said that he has 50-50 chance to be fit before next game but the Abahani No.10 sees very little hope.

Manjurul Rahman Manik was also left out of the plane despite being included in 25-man squad for Qatar tour as the defender's late Covid-19 report came positive. 

Head coach Jamie Day is also left isolated in Dhaka after he was tested Covid-19 positive prior to second FIFA friendly against Nepal. The English tactician is awaiting quick recovery to join the team abroad soon.

The game against Qatar is going to be Bangladesh's last and only World Cup and Asian Cup qualifying match this year as the pandemic postponed rest of the fixtures till next year.