Jamal’s I-League stint under Covid cloud

Bangladesh skipper Jamal Bhuiyan has tested positive for coronavirus in Doha, leaving his much-anticipated debut in I-League for Kolkata Mohammedan in doubt.

The 30-year-old midfielder had stayed back in Qatar for personal reasons following Bangladesh's World Cup qualifying fixture on December 4 and has since contacted the virus.

Jamal is asymptomatic, according to Bangladesh Football Federation, and is currently in isolation.

"Jamal had stayed back in Doha and subsequently tested positive for coronavirus. He is now in isolation at a hotel there, being looked after by the Qatar FA," informed Abu Nayeem Shohag, the general secretary of BFF.

Although the circumstances under which Jamal contacted Covid are unclear -- the Bangladesh captain could not be reached for a comment on this -- it has been learnt that Jamal tested positive on Thursday as he was scheduled to fly back to Dhaka, ahead of his scheduled move to Kolkata Mohammedan for the I-League.

But due to him testing positive, Jamal's appearance in I-League has become uncertain.

Kolkata Mohammedan, who are currently playing in the IFA Shield, are scheduled to start training soon for the league, which will begin on January 9.

The club's general secretary Wasim Akram, while talking to media in Kolkata, said they are already looking for a replacement for the Bangladesh captain.

"It will be very unfortunate if Jamal cannot play for us this season. We have nothing to do here as we cannot go against the will of nature," Akram said. "But even if he doesn't play this year, he can play for us next season. With the relationship that we have built, I don't think he will refuse us."

He added that the club would come to a decision in this regard within a couple of days. "We haven't yet decided who will be his replacement. We will come to a decision by Monday or Tuesday. We have three to four players in consideration," Akram said.