Captain Sunil Chhetri will not be there to inspire but a young Indian team will seek to play fearless football against a more fancied Oman here on Thursday.

Chhetri is not with the team for the two international friendlies here — the second one against the UAE on Monday — as he is recovering from Covid-19. But the side with an average age of just over 24 is raring to go in its first international match after November 2019.

Head coach Igor Stimac said he has told the players to play free and fearless football as he was not expecting much from these two matches.

“We wanted to give them the experience of playing stronger teams, that will give them more confidence and fearlessness in future,” Stimac said ahead of the match.

Talking about Oman, Stimac said: “I have seen their match against Jordan. They are a really physical side, well organised and patient. We also have worked hard and we expect a good game.

Kick-off: 7.15pm, live on Eurosport.