New Delhi, Aug 17 - Chief football coach Bob Houghton said Monday that injured striker Sunil Chettri will be included in the 20-member squad for the Nehru Cup starting here Wednesday.
Houghton also said that the opening match against Lebabon will be crucial for the defending champions.
'The opening match of the tournament will always be crucial for us. Lebanon are a good team and it will be a tough match for us,' said Houghton after the team's training session.
The Englishman said that he would release the final list after the manager's meeting on the eve of the match here Tuesday.
Chettri aggravated his ankle injury during the practice camp in Barcelona. He was carrying the injury on his right ankle for quite some time and aggravated it during the last practice game against Santboia FC in Barcelona Thursday.
Houghton hopes that Chettri will get fit in time so that he can be used in the last crucial stages of the game.
Chettri, however, is not sure when he would be fit.
'Since Bob has taken me, he must have some plans.