Constantine announces 34-player list for AFC preparatory camp

Notable call-ups include 21-year-old midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad, who has impressed for Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League, and 18-year-old Komal Thatal (ATK).

Indian team coach Stephen Constantine (left) with Sunil Chhetri.

Indian national football coach Stephen Constantine has announced a list of 34 players for the preparatory camp ahead of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 to be held in the UAE.

The notable call-ups include 21-year-old midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad, who has impressed for Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League, and 18-year-old Komal Thatal (ATK).

East Bengal defender Salam Ranjan Singh is the only player from the I-League to receive a call-up. 

Constantine has chosen to leave out the likes of Soosairaj Michael (Jamshedpur FC), Rahul Bheke (Bengaluru FC) and Jobby Justin (East Bengal), despite the trio putting up a string of strong performances this season.

The squad Goalkeepers:  Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Vishal Kaith, Amrinder Singh, Arindam Bhattacharya Defenders:  Pritam Kotal, Nishu Kumar, Lalruatthara, Sandesh Jhingan, Anas Edathodika, Salam Ranjan Singh, Sarthak Golui, Subhasish Bose, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Narayan Das. Midfielders:  Udanta Singh, Nikhil Poojary, Jacki C Singh, Pronay Halder, Anirudh Thapa, Vinit Rai, Rowllin Borges, Sahal Abdul, German P Singh, Komal Thatal, Bikash Jairu, Ashique Kuruniyan, Halicharan Narzary, Lallianzuala Chhangte.   Forwards:  Sunil Chhetri, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Balwant Singh, Manvir Singh, Sumeet Passi, Farukh Choudhary.