Bhutia unlikely for Afro-Asian Games

A knee injury is likely to keep Indian football ace Baichung Bhutia out of the inaugural Afro-Asian Games, to be held in Delhi, from November 3 to 11.

The star striker underwent surgery on his right knee in England on Saturday and is unlikely to recover fully before the Games begin.

According to information, Bhutia, who plays for English club Bury FC, injured his right knee during a second division league match against Queen's Park Rovers on August 18 and was sidelined for the next two matches.

The striker returned for the August 27 match against Swindon Town but continued to feel the pain, which forced him to undergo surgery on Saturday.

With the Afro-Asian Games a little under two months away, it is unlikely that he will recover in time for the football matches.

Club sources said the footballer is likely to remain out of action for about six weeks and may be allowed to take a short trip to India during the lay-off.