Great loss for Indian football when Sunil Chhetri retires: Stephen Constantine

India may be using their international friendly against Nepal on Tuesday as a warm-up game for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifier against Lebanon, next week, but there is a shadow of a doubt looming over the availability of star forward and captain Sunil Chhetri.

Chhetri, who has been struggling with his hamstring towards the end of the I-League season will not take part in the international friendly against Nepal on Tuesday, India head coach Stephen Constantine confirmed.

"The captain Sunil still has, I wouldn't say pain, but we're being very cautious with him," Constantine said, speaking from the team hotel in Mumbai on the eve of the Nepal game. "He will not play any part in this game with Nepal."

The Englishman further went on to state that he intends to protect Chhetri for the crucial 2019 AFC Asian cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan. He said, "Obviously we've had quite a lot of games lately, so I'm trying to protect him. He's not 22 anymore."

Chhetri was seen stretching separately from the rest of the national team squad, at the Andheri Sports Complex, after Constantine addressed the media.

The Blue Tigers' captain was seen doing exercises that were specific for the hamstring.

India's last friendly against Nepal had ended in a goalless stalemate, with the neighbours from across the border putting up a good fight. The absence of a talisman like Chhetri could dent Constantine's men's chances.

The head coach believes that Chhetri still has a few years of football left in him and the 32-year-old can even lead the side onto the pitch in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, if the team makes it to the competition.

"Sunil Chhetri is a very good player, and has been one for a very long time. I hope he has many more years left with him in the national team," said Constantine. "At 32 though, you've got to start thinking what's next.

"It would be a great loss to Indian football when he decides to hang up his boots. Physically, he's at the top of the charts in terms of work rate," he continued. "As long as he can do the things he wants to do on the pitch, I want him to lead the team out onto the pitch in the 2019 Asian Cup."

However, Constantine also explained that India have to start preparing for life without their talismanic striker, who is not getting any younger.

"Obviously, as you get older, you pick up more injuries, and they take a little longer to heal," he said.

"You have to look after yourself that much more. As part of that process, it's also down to me to protect the players, and I am trying to protect him as much as I can," continued Constantine.

"Yes, we will have to face the time when Sunil is not available. This is why, when I came in two years ago, we started bringing in lots of different players, young players, because they need the opportunity to step up, and someone, some day will have to replace him," he concluded.