Bangladesh coach Thomas Dulie has begun preparations for the FIFA ASEAN Cup with a preliminary 28-member squad that does not yet include expatriate footballers. Those players are expected to join later, but Dulie wants to assess several of them in training before deciding on their places in the national team.

England-based Cuba Mitchell, who has already made his Bangladesh debut, is among the players set for a fresh evaluation. Mitchell had signed for Bashundhara Kings after seeking to settle in Bangladesh, but returned to England after failing to reach an understanding with the club. Dulie said a player seeking to return to the national side must appear before the new coaching staff and prove he is better than others.

Mitchell would need to travel at his own expense to train with the team, a requirement that has prompted questions in football circles. Dulie also wants to assess goalkeeper Saif, Suki Itfaka, and Adam Abbas and Zidan, who are with the under-20 team. Final decisions on the players will be made after the training assessments.