Training discomfort turns into matchday blow for Topu

Bangladesh captain Topu Barman was forced to withdraw from the starting XI just before kick-off against Bhutan in the SAFF Championship on Thursday after developing muscle tightness in his leg during the pre-match warm-up.

Topu's absence was a late blow for Bangladesh, particularly after coach Thomas Dooley had confirmed at Wednesday's pre-match press conference that the defender would captain the side in their tournament opener.

Dooley revealed after the match that Topu had initially been confident of playing despite feeling discomfort during training the previous evening. However, the problem became more noticeable the following morning, leaving the defender uncertain about his fitness.

"He was training and everything was fine, and we talked about it. He said, 'No, I feel good, I can play.' But yesterday evening in training, he did one shot or one diagonal ball, and he said he felt a little bit in my leg," Dooley explained.

The coach said Topu's muscle felt tight when he woke up on matchday, prompting the medical staff to work on loosening it. Although the defender initially felt better after treatment, Dooley was unwilling to take a risk with his captain.

"He was like 50-50, and I said 50-50 is not good enough. We need to be 100 per cent, at least 80 per cent. You don't have to play long balls, but you have to organise the defence and be good in one-on-one situations," he said.

Topu eventually informed the coaching staff that he could not play just before the warm-up ended, forcing Bangladesh to make a last-minute change. Syed Quazem Kirmanee Shah replaced him in the starting XI, while experienced midfielder Jamal Bhuyan took over the captaincy.

Dooley also revealed that Tariq Raihan Kazi would have played in midfield had Topu been fit, indicating that the late withdrawal forced a change to his original tactical plan.

Despite the setback, the coach was pleased with Quazem's contribution after being called into action at short notice.

"He warmed up with the team, so he was ready to play. And he did a good job," Dooley added.