Camp for walking wounded

The players are expected to be fit in time for the team’s exposure tour to Portugal next month, where they are scheduled to play four friendly games. Of the 31 players at this camp, 26 will travel with the side to Portugal.

And while all players should be available by then, Bhutia admitted that their absence in the initial stages would affect preparations.

“Yes it is certainly affecting the team in the practice session as the juniors are not getting to train with senior players,” Bhutia said.

Meanwhile, Houghton reiterated that professional football in India did not have place for tournaments such as the Santosh Trophy, saying the next generation of India footballers could only grow out of the professional structure. “The only place from where we can get bench strength is from the I-League.”