Updated on Saturday, July 04, 2009, 16:23 IST

New Delhi, July 04: East Bengal's new recruit Subhash Singh could get his maiden India call-up as he has been asked by the AIFF to send his passport in case he is required to join the national team in Barcelona in preparation for the Nehru Cup.

Subhash's passport was yesterday sent to AIFF headquarters here by the All Manipur Football Association (AMFA) Secretary Ranjit Roy following an intimation from the AIFF.

"I don't know whether I will be told to join the national team in Spain or not. But I have been told to send my passport and that has been done by AMFA secretary," Subhash said from Manipur.

AIFF General Secretary Alberto Colaco refused to confirm if Subhash has been asked to join the training camp in Barcelona starting July 8 but said the federation has asked the former Air India striker to send his passport.

"We have asked him (Subhash) to send his passport in case there's any need (to join national team training). But I can't say now whether he will join the national team in Barcelona or not," Colaco said from Goa.

Subhash is among the youngsters whom national chief coach Bob Houghton spoke of highly and his inclusion in the national squad has been widely anticipated.

A good season (2008-09) in the I-League for Air India had earned Subhash a better contract with East Bengal this year.

Meanwhile, striker Sunil Chhetri is making gradually recovering from his right ankle injury.

Chhetri, who has been treated by the support staff of team doctor Sachin Kumar Yadav, physical trainer Suresh Babu and physiotherapist Gagan Kapoor, has been advised two weeks' rest.

"I have made progress with my treatment. I have been doing physiotherapy and exercises and I should be ready for the training in Barcelona," said Chhetri, who is with the national squad in Dubai.

The new Dempo recruit has been prescribed light jogging while the rest of the squad are being put through their paces at Emirates Sevens ground on the outskirts of Dubai by head coach Houghton.

"Our season was long and tough last year and sometimes it is difficult to find time to recover from small niggles you get during matches. But thankfully, everything seems to be in control," Chhetri said.

The Indian team will conclude their 11-day camp in Dubai and travel to Spain on July 7 and use the facilities of FC Barcelona for training.

Bureau Report