Sunil Chhetri is set to don the blue for Bengaluru FC’s AFC Cup quarter-final match against Tampine Rovers which is scheduled to take place on the 14th of September. The Indian striker had earlier re-signed for Indian Super League side Mumbai City FC and was expected to join the rest of the squad in Dubai for pre-season training but Bengaluru FC officials have confirmed that this will not be happening.
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The 32-year-old striker will instead feature for Albert Roca’s side in their quarter-final match before linking up with the Ranbir Kapoor owned franchise. Whether this causes any strain between the sides remains to be seen, especially if the striker gets injured while playing for Bengaluru. Chhetri is currently carrying a hand injury and had to wear a protective cast while representing India against Puerto Rico in a friendly last week.
Chhetri was The Blues’ top scorer in the 2015/16 I-League and new manager Roca as well as the club’s fans will be glad to hear that he will be a part of the team for their all important encounter. It was, in fact, a Chhetri brace that propelled the Bengaluru-based team into the quarters with a victory over Hong Kong side Kitchee SC.
Tampine Rovers though are set to provide a stern test for Bengaluru after eliminating the only other Indian team in the competition Mohun Bagan in extra time. Chhetri is on a good run of form and became the 6th highest international goal scorer among active players when he struck a fine free-kick in India’s win 4-1 over Puerto Rico.
The former Indian national team skipper was also Mumbai City FC’s highest scorer last season and is expected to form a formidable partnership up front with former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan who has signed for the club as a marquee player.
Mumbai City are currently in Dubai preparing for their ISL campaign which begins in October. The Maharashtra-based franchise did not have a great second edition of the ISL, finishing 6th and will be hoping for an improved showing this time around. Along with the fact that they have moved to a new stadium, they have also roped in a number of international stars to aid their cause.
Mumbai begin their campaign on 3rd October away at Pune City FC.
For a complete list of ISL fixtures click here
