"I am yet to take part in proper team training. The team doctor is looking after me and I will start normal training in another two or three days. Till now it is just some light workout," Bhutia said.

This means Bhaichung, who was named AIFF's Player of Year 2008, will resume normal training in the last two or three days before the team departs for Hong Kong on January 12.

Asked about India missing the bus for the 2009 AFC Champions League, Bhaichung said the AIFF will have to put pressure on those I-League sides which are yet to fulfil the AFC criteria so that India can have a club when the next review of the pro-league is done.

"India missed to send a team there but nothing can be done now. The only thing is that the AIFF will have to apply pressure on the clubs which are yet to fulfil the criteria," he said.

The India captain said he had sought a date with the AIFF senior vice-president and acting president Praful Patel to discuss some matters pertaining to players' grievances.

"We have sought time to discuss matters on the grievances of players. Patel has agreed to it. The seniors and juniors of the team will have a meeting with him though the date has not been fixed," he said.

Meanwhile, right full back Surkumar Singh is yet to recover from the injury he sustained during the Federation Cup.

Surkumar, who has not taken part in normal training till now, said he was hopeful of making the trip to Hong Kong.

... contd.