Cabreira Optimistic About Hamza’s Upcoming Matches – Khaborwala
Bangladesh’s national football team faces a crucial period with upcoming matches against Vietnam and Singapore, and the potential return of key midfielder Hamza Chowdhury is a significant factor. Chowdhury, currently playing for Leicester City, has been recovering from an injury sustained in the first week of March, with a projected recovery timeline of six to eight weeks.
Hamza Chowdhury’s Recovery and Potential Impact
Coach Xavier Cabreira expressed cautious optimism regarding Chowdhury’s availability. Speaking at an event hosted by the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA) at Paltan Handball Stadium, Cabreira stated he is in regular contact with both Chowdhury and the Leicester City medical team. He indicated Chowdhury’s rehabilitation is “progressing very well,” raising the possibility of his return to action by mid-March.
Should Chowdhury’s recovery continue as planned, he could feature in Bangladesh’s Asian Cup qualifier against Singapore on March 31st. A friendly match against Vietnam on March 26th precedes the qualifier, and there’s a possibility Chowdhury could travel directly to Vietnam, bypassing a return to Dhaka, if cleared to play in both fixtures. Cabreira affirmed, “We are positive about Hamza. We hope his recovery will continue smoothly.”
Additional Player News and Upcoming Challenges
Beyond Chowdhury, Coach Cabreira also shared positive updates regarding Shomit Som, another expatriate player. Som has reportedly expressed his eagerness to join the national camp. Cabreira hopes Som will be able to join the camp in Dhaka before the team departs for Vietnam. The squad is expected to hold three to four training sessions in Dhaka prior to their travel.
The upcoming friendly against Vietnam, currently ranked 108th by FIFA, is anticipated to be a challenging contest for Bangladesh. Cabreira had previously requested matches against higher-ranked opponents to prepare the team for the year-end SAFF Championship, a request that was approved by the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF).
Contract and Future Considerations
Cabreira’s contract with the team has two months remaining. He stated that discussions regarding his future will take place with the BFF president following the Vietnam and Singapore matches, emphasizing that there is “no need to rush decisions.” He reflected positively on his four and a half years in Bangladesh, expressing appreciation for the country’s culture, the Ramadan celebrations, and the footballing community.
Cabreira also extended his support to the Bangladesh women’s football team as they compete in the Asian Cup in Australia, praising their spirit and confidence. He also highlighted his appreciation for the Bangla language and culture, particularly noting its significance during International Mother Language Day.
Upcoming Fixtures and Hamza’s Status
| Date | Opponent | Match Type | Hamza’s Expected Participation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 March | Vietnam | Friendly | Likely |
| 31 March | Singapore | Asian Cup Qualifier | Possible |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of Hamza Chowdhury’s injury?
Hamza Chowdhury has been sidelined since the first week of March due to injury, with a full recovery expected to take six to eight weeks. His rehabilitation is reportedly progressing well.
When will the Bangladesh national team begin their camp?
The preliminary national camp is scheduled to commence in Dhaka on March 16th, following the conclusion of the Bangladesh Football League on March 14th.
What are Coach Cabreira’s plans regarding his future with the team?
Coach Cabreira has two months remaining on his contract and will discuss his next steps with the BFF president after the matches against Vietnam and Singapore.
As Bangladesh prepares for these important fixtures, what impact do you think the potential return of key players like Hamza Chowdhury will have on the team’s performance?