Shivendra doubtful for Argentina match

IPOH: Striker Shivendra Singh may miss Wednesday’s game against Argentina with a hamstring niggle. The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time as India can ill-afford any slip-up in their crucial match against the Pan American champions if they want to keep themselves in contention for a berth in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament at Ipoh.

India carved out a 3-2 victory over hosts Malaysia on Monday to take their points tally to six from four matches, the same as that of Argentina, who will go into Wednesday’s match with two impressive performances in the last outings, including a shock 3-2 win over favourites Great Britain. The wins have brought both the teams back in contention for a medal.

A victory over Argentina and against Pakistan in the last league fixture on Thursday could take India to the final but it won’t be an easy road ahead for Michael Nobbs’ players. “Shivendra has a minor hamstring injury and it may take a couple of days to fix. He may not play if it doesn’t improve sufficiently. He will be subject to another fitness test tomorrow to see whether he is fit to play,” Nobbs said. “We played him against Malaysia until we had three goals up and then he was rested. He scored a goal yesterday and set up another so he is an important part of the forwardline.”

Nobbs said he had told his players that they were again in control of their destiny and must make the best out of the two remaining league outings. “The tournament is wide open. Big victories in our two remaining games could even get us a place in the final,” said Nobbs.

But that is easier said than done. “With Shivendra doubtful and without Gurvinder Chandi, it limits our potency in front of goals. The game will be tough as Argentina have been getting better each game and like us it seems match practice at this level is crucial to their Olympic preparations,” he added.