Bhutia in hospital with high fever but docs say he’s stable

It’s been a rough few days for Indian sportsmen. No sooner had Leander Paes out of danger than news comes of Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia being admitted to hospital in Malaysia — where he is currently playing — with high fever. Doctors quoted by his club say his condition is stable and he is expected to be discharged tomorrow. Bhaichung (26), on loan to Perak FA, ‘unexpectedly’ turned ill on Wednesday and needed immediate medication, team manager Jamal Nazir told The Indian Express from Kuala Lumpur. ‘‘Bhutia suffered a bout of diarrhoea and was taken to a local hospital since he complained of high fever.’’

The Indian star was taken ill after his first full match for Perak, against Malacca, in the ongoing Malaysia Cup yesterday. He played ‘‘full steam’’, according to Nazir, but after the match complained of fever. ‘‘Rushing him to the local hospital was a precautionary measure. Nothing drastic’’, Nazir said, adding that he was given medication and doctors have now given a clean chit. ‘‘He should be discharged by tomorrow’’, Nazir said.

The manager was all praise for his new boy’s skills and performance yesterday.

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‘‘He was the livewire of the team’’, Nazir said, adding, ‘‘his vision, speed and dribbling skills were a treat to watch. He created many chances.’’ Playing in front of 20,000 fans at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh, Bhutia set up the third goal for Liberian Frank Seator to complete his hat-trick and also the next two as Perak won 5-0 to head their group. The club play their next match against the same side in an ‘away’ tie on Saturday.

‘‘Hopefully Bhutia, will have his night then…but that will depend on whether his is fit,” added Nazir.

It was learnt that Bhutia has requested to return to India for two days, on August 31, for some ‘‘personal work’’.