Top Indian striker and captain Bhaichung Bhutia has been ruled out of next week's Asian 2006 World Cup qualifier against Japan following knee surgery.
"He underwent a microsurgery on his left knee on Tuesday for cartilage tear," surgeon Debashis Chatterjee, who performed the procedure, said in Kolkata.
Bhutia, who hurt his knee playing for India in a tournament in Vietnam last week, is expected to be out of action for around six weeks, Chatterjee added.
Japan, who top Group 3 with a maximum nine points, thrashed India 7-0 at home in June and are expected to register another big win in the return tie to be played in Kolkata next Wednesday.
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