Bangladesh football enthusiasts have received a significant boost as Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury has recovered from injury and is set to rejoin the national team. Born in England, the 28-year-old midfielder is expected to take part in the FIFA friendly matches in Vietnam at the end of March, significantly strengthening the team’s performance and morale.
Hamza’s Injury and Recovery
Hamza’s injury occurred on 31 January during a Championship match against Charlton Athletic, where he suffered a knee injury that forced him to leave the pitch with the aid of crutches. Consequently, he missed six matches in February, including key fixtures leading up to Bangladesh’s Asian Cup qualifying preparations.
However, Hamza made a successful return by featuring briefly against Ipswich Town on 7 March and Bristol City on 11 March. These appearances confirmed his full fitness, paving the way for his participation in the upcoming friendlies against Vietnam on 26 March and Singapore on 31 March.
BFF President Tabith Awal chaired a meeting of the national team committee, after which Media Committee Chairman Amirul Islam Babul stated,
“Hamza is now fully fit. He will join the national team in Vietnam on 22 March.”
National Team Camp Schedule
| Date | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 14 March | Zayan Ahmed arrives from USA | Joins national camp |
| 15 March | Shomit Shom arrives from Canada | Joins national camp |
| 16 March | Fahamedul Islam (Italy) & Tariq Raihan Kazi (Finland) return | Full camp assembled |
| 16 March | National camp begins in Dhaka | Led by Spanish coach Javier Cabrera |
| 21 March | 23-man final squad departs for Vietnam | Preparation for friendly & qualifiers |
| 22 March | Hamza Choudhury joins squad | Strengthens midfield and overall team cohesion |
Spanish coach Javier Cabrera is expected to announce a preliminary 30-man squad soon. Players arriving from the USA, Canada, Italy, and Finland will ensure that the team’s full strength is maintained ahead of the Vietnam tour.
Asian Cup Qualifying Context
In Group C, Singapore has already secured qualification for the main tournament, leaving the Bangladesh–Singapore friendly without competitive implications. Bangladesh currently occupies third place in the group with 5 points from 5 matches. Notably, this friendly will be Cabrera’s final match with the BFF, marking the end of a four-year tenure.
Hamza’s return not only enhances the team’s tactical options in midfield but also boosts morale and on-field creativity. His presence promises a more dynamic style of play, reinforcing Bangladesh’s international competitiveness.
For fans, Hamza’s comeback represents not just joy but a renewed sense of unity and confidence within the national squad, potentially elevating the team’s performance in both the Vietnam friendlies and future Asian Cup qualifiers.