The injury-induced absence of Sandesh Jhingan may have hurt India's defence but Bangladesh head coach Jamie Day on Friday said the Sunil Chhetri-led side will still start overwhelming favourites in the upcoming World Cup qualifier.
Jhingan suffered a tear on his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear on his left knee during their 1-1 draw against North East United on Wednesday as the defender will have to undergo a surgery that may rule him out for six months.
Jhingan is the latest addition to list of injured players in the Indian team which will also be without Rahul Bheke but the Englishman coach remained realistic on his team's chances.
"I don't see it any different from before that he's injured. India are at home and expected to win," Day told PTI.
Bangladesh are placed 187 in FIFA table, compared to India's rank of 104.
Bangladesh come here on the back of a 0-2 loss to Asian champions and group E leaders Qatar in Dhaka on Thursday.
"Everything is very positive and we are extremely pleased with our performance."
"I have seen the progress India has made in recent times. In fact, the team made great strides under an English coach before Igor Stimac took over. I haven't met or spoken to Igor. But I am looking forward to meeting him soon."
Bangladesh have assembled with a young squad and Day said, "The U-23 Bangladesh boys did exceptionally well in the Asian Games. We wanted to test and push them further."
"But at the same time, I also believe you need some experience around them to help guide during camps, and International matches."
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