Hamza Returns: Boost for Bangladesh Ahead of Vietnam

Bangladesh football fans have received a major boost as Hamza Choudhury has recovered from injury and is set to rejoin the national squad for the upcoming friendly against Vietnam later this month. The Leicester City midfielder, born in England, had been sidelined for more than a month following a knee injury but is now fit to play.

Hamza sustained the injury on 31 January during a Championship clash against Charlton Athletic, leaving the pitch with the aid of crutches. His absence had cast doubt over his participation in Bangladesh’s final AFC Asian Cup qualifying match against Singapore on 31 March.

However, after missing six matches in February, the 28-year-old made brief appearances on 7 March against Ipswich Town and 11 March versus Bristol City, signalling his return to fitness. This development substantially increases his likelihood of featuring in both the friendly against Vietnam on 26 March and the Singapore qualifier.

Following a national team committee meeting chaired by BFF President Tabith Awal, BFF Media Committee Chairman Amirul Islam Babul confirmed Hamza’s availability: “Hamza is now fully fit and will join the national team in Vietnam on 22 March.”

Babul added that Spanish coach Javier Cabrera is expected to announce a preliminary 30-man squad shortly. The national camp will begin in Dhaka on 16 March, with the final 23-member squad departing for Vietnam on 21 March.

Several overseas-based players are also scheduled to return to Bangladesh ahead of the camp:

In Group C, Singapore has already secured a place in the Asian Cup proper, rendering Bangladesh’s final match against them largely inconsequential. Bangladesh currently sits third in the group with five points from five matches. Notably, the upcoming fixture against Singapore will mark the final match under Cabrera’s four-year contract with the BFF.

With Hamza’s return, the Bangladesh team gains a significant midfield reinforcement, raising hopes for a stronger performance in Vietnam and the remaining qualifiers. Fans and officials alike are eager to see how the Leicester City midfielder’s presence influences the squad dynamics in these crucial matches.