By IANS,
New Delhi : India forward Sunil Chettri will miss the Nehru Cup football tournament after aggravating an ankle injury during the practice camp in Barcelona.
Chettri was carrying the injury on his right ankle for quite some time and aggravated it during the last practice game against Santboia FC in Barcelona Thursday. He also converted a penalty during the match.
Though his injury is not serious, Chettri has been advised complete rest by the doctors.
The Nehru Cup team hasn’t been announced but Sushil Singh is expected to take his place.
Chettri’s injury has come as a big blow for India’s title defence of the Nehru Cup. Chief coach Bob Houghton has already said that at the age of 32, ace striker and national captain Bhaichung Bhutia cannot play for 90 minutes in each and every match. And in Chettri’s absence, it would be tough for Houghton to get a best attacking pair for India.
Chettri, who earlier went for trails at Coventry City, has attracted the attention of Scottish giants Celtic FC. During the camp in Bareclona, some of the talent scouts of Celtic closely followed Chettri’s performance.