Sheikh Morsalin and Tariq Raihan Kazi have returned to Bangladesh’s 26-man preliminary squad announced Thursday for the two upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against Australia and Lebanon, while goalkeeper Anisur Rahman Zico has been ruled out.
Morsalin was omitted from the last home-and-away fixtures of the qualifiers against Palestine in March due to injury as Bangladesh lost on both occasions without scoring any.
It was the 18-year old versatile forward Morsalin’s goal that helped Javier Cabrera’s side earn a creditable 1-1 draw against Lebanon at home in November last year.
Striker Sumon Reza, winger Foysal Ahmed Fahim and Arman Foysal Akash are among the forwards who have been overlooked from the last Palestine squad as Morsalin along with Mohammad Abdullah came in for next week’s crucial home tie against the Socceroos.
Cabrera has strengthened his defensive force as Tariq also returned from ankle injury after missing the Palestine games.
The Spanish tactician called back three more defenders – Rimon Hossain, Mehedi Hasan and Sushanto Tripura while Taj Uddin got the axe.
Zico was not having the best of times since his suspension from the club and national team due to disciplinary issues.
He had returned for the two Palestine matches but could not make it to the playing XI.
This time, Mohammedan Sporting Club’s in-form goalie Sujon Hossain has been called up with Zico left out.
Among the midfielders, Rabiul Hasan and Jayed Ahmed missed the cut to the 26-member squad.
Bangladesh will host Australia in the return leg of Group I qualifiers in the capital’s Bashundhara Kings Arena Thursday before flying away for the Lebanon tie on June 11.
