Bangladesh's 2-2 draw with Nepal in a FIFA friendly at Dhaka's National Stadium on Thursday ended with two moments of concern for the home side, as star midfielder Hamza Choudhury and left-back Zayyan Ahmed were both forced off with injuries.

However, initial assessments suggest neither issue is serious. Bangladesh now turn their focus to the crucial Asian Cup Qualifier against India on November 18, with both players expected to be available barring any setbacks.

Hamza, who had produced one of the most memorable individual performances by a Bangladesh international in recent years, departed in the 80th minute after feeling discomfort in his leg. The Leicester City defensive midfielder had earlier dragged Bangladesh back into the contest almost single-handedly, first levelling the score with a stunning bicycle kick just after half-time before calmly lifting in a Panenka penalty five minutes later to make it 2-1.

Zayyan's withdrawal moments later caused further anxiety. The US-based defender went down off the ball and required attention before being helped off, raising fears of a muscle injury.

After the match, head coach Javier Cabrera moved quickly to reassure supporters, confirming that both players had suffered only minor muscle issues. "There's some muscle strain, but nothing that puts them at risk for the India match," Cabrera said.

Hamza, speaking briefly as he left the stadium, echoed the coach's confidence, saying his injury was "nothing too bad". Zayyan also confirmed that his issue was "nothing serious".