Despite speculation over his availability, Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury has been named in the preliminary squad of the Bangladesh national football team for the upcoming friendly matches against Nepal.

Team manager Amer Khan confirmed the news to reporters on Wednesday, stating that the 24-man preliminary list—yet to be made public—includes the England-born Bangladeshi player.

Bangladesh are scheduled to face Nepal on 6 and 9 September in Kathmandu during the FIFA international window.

“We have kept Hamza Choudhury in our squad. If we get a positive signal from his club, he may join the team. We are not giving up hope. Since there is still a chance, we have prepared the 24-member squad with him,” Amer said.

The final announcement of the squad will be made after the Bangladesh Premier League transfer window closes.

Amer also revealed that Canadian Premier League side Cavalry FC midfielder Shamit Shome was initially considered for the squad, but his club declined to release him. Cavalry FC have league fixtures on 6 and 14 September against York United and HFX Wanderers, respectively.

“Shamit has club football matches in September. That’s why he hasn’t been included in the preliminary squad for the September window,” Amer explained. “Players are contracted with their clubs, and the federation has to consider the agreements between them.”

The national team camp officially began on Wednesday with only five players in attendance. Abahani players, fresh from the AFC Challenge League playoffs, are set to join on Thursday, while Bashundhara Kings players will join on Friday.

“Abahani players will join the camp on the evening of 14 August. Bashundhara Kings players will join on the evening of 15 August. At this stage, we are prioritising gym and fitness sessions. The coach will decide whether to move to on-field training,” Amer said.

He also addressed the absence of team captain Jamal Bhuyan on the opening day of camp.

“Jamal has requested one extra day for personal reasons. He will join on 14 August,” Amer concluded.