Shamit back from injury: 'Feel good in training'

Shamit Som is very positive about the Bhutan match on Monday. He has just returned after recovering from an injury. Along with Ronan Sullivan's injury and Hamza's absence, many may be worried about Bangladesh's first match of the SAFF Championship on November 5, but this Canada-based midfielder of the Bangladesh team has no such fears.

Yet bad news has already come: Ronan Sullivan has been ruled out of the SAFF due to injury. Shamit Som is somewhat disappointed to hear this: "I heard five or ten minutes ago. It's very bad news. He is a good young talent. But we have more attacking players; we have to try to make up for it with them."

Hamza and Farhan will not be available for the Bhutan match. Naturally, the tournament's first match will not be easy either. Shamit said, "We will definitely miss Hamza and Farhan. They are very good players; if they were there, the match would become easier. I believe there are two or three others who can play and do well. Maybe they won't be like Hamza. But our team is ready for the Bhutan match. I believe we will do well in the first match."

Shamit himself was also injured. He is preparing for the SAFF after recovering. Joining the camp upon arriving in Dhaka, this midfielder said, "The last four to five weeks have been a challenging time. Recovery is ongoing. This situation is difficult for me, but I am preparing. So far, I feel good. The training I did today, everything seems more or less fine. Now the main task is to increase fitness; there are two or three days before the Bhutan match. I have spoken with the fitness coach."

However, he is hoping for massive support from the people of the country. The SAFF begins in Dhaka on November 5. Shamit's expectation: "The people of this country want to see us win the SAFF. We are also eager to play the tournament in our own stadium. We need our support; that will inspire us."