Pakistan Suffers Major Injury Blow Ahead of Asian Cup Qualifier Fixture

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan men’s football team has been dealt a significant blow just days before their AFC Asian Cup qualifier against Myanmar. Young striker Rayan Mohammed, who had earned his first call-up to the national squad, has been ruled out of the upcoming fixture due to a hamstring injury suffered during the training camp.

The 19-year-old, who currently plays for Dundee Reserves in Scotland, had been in good form leading up to the qualifier and was expected to make his debut for Pakistan during the game. His selection was seen as a step forward for the national team, bringing in fresh talent with international club experience.

Sources confirmed that the young forward has returned to Scotland for treatment and recovery.

Rayan Mohammed’s injury leaves a void in Pakistan’s attack just before the June 7 departure for the qualifier against Myanmar. With Rayan unable to play, it is unlikely that a replacement will be called up in his place.

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) had already announced a provisional squad of 27 players for the fixture. The team still has a solid roster to compete, with the likes of Ali Hayder Shah, Fareedullah, Adeel Younas, and McKeal Abdullah ready to step up in the forward line.

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The squad has been training under the supervision of head coach Stephen Constantine in hopes of bouncing back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Syria in the campaign opener back in March. Pakistan is in Group E alongside Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Syria, with all teams aiming to qualify for the 2024 AFC Asian Cup. With the pressure on the Green Shirts to perform, the loss of Rayan Mohammed’s attacking threat is a tough blow.

With the clock ticking down to the match on June 7, all eyes will now be on the Pakistan team as they continue to prepare for this crucial fixture without one of their brightest young talents.