National football team coach Wim Koevermans on Monday announced his squad of 21 players for India’s two international friendlies to be played this month with as many as 10 changes from the team that did duty in the recent South Asian Football Federation Championships.
Goalkeeper Subrata Paul and central defender Gouramangi Singh have been left out as they are now in Denmark for a trial stint with Danish top tier side FC Vestsjaelland.
Another key player Syed Rahim Nabi missed out as he is recovering from an injury. Right back Nirmal Chhetri, who played in the SAFF Championships, also did not figure in the squad.
India play against Philippines on November 15 and Nepal on November 19.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Karanjit Singh (Salgaocar SC), Subhashish Roychowdhury (Dempo SC), Arindam Bhattacharya (Churchill Brothers).
Defenders: Denzil Franco (Churchill Brothers), Nicolau Colaco (Salgaocar SC), Arnab Mondal (East Bengal), Aibhorlang Khongjee (Mohun Bagan), Raju Gaikwad (East Bengal), Gurjinder Kumar (Pune FC), Narayan Das (Dempo SC).
Midfielders: Mehtab Hossain (East Bengal), Lenny Rodrigues (Churchill Brothers), Lalrindika Ralte (East Bengal), Arata Izumi (Pune FC), Francis Fernandes (Salgaocar SC), Clifford Miranda (Dempo SC), CK Vineeth (United SC, Victorino (Sporting Clube de Goa).
Forwards: Dawson Fernandes (Sporting Clube de Goa), Sunil Chhetri, Robin Singh (both Bengaluru FC).
Standbyes: Shilton Paul, Rowilson Rodrigues, Gurwinder Singh, Shouvik Ghosh, Rocus Lamare, Malswamtulunga, Tsewang Karma, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Denson Devdas.
