Doha, Jan 7 (IANS) India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia does not want to lose hope even as his chances of playing in the AFC Asian Cup receded considerably Friday with the team management unwilling to take a chance with his fitness following his calf muscle injury.

Bhutia, however, wants to give himself time till Monday, the day of the opening match against Australia at the Al Sadd Stadium here.

"I am still giving myself two-three days. We can make a change even six hours before the match and Rafi is travelling with us. So even if I am out, Rafi will be leading the attack with Sunil Chettri," Bhaichung told IANS.

"Missing the Asian Cup would be a disaster for me," he added.

Chief of delegation Subrata Dutta, who is also the All India Football Federation (AIFF) vice-president, said that the final call will be taken by chief coach Bob Houghton.

"Bob will take a final call on Bhaichung's inclusion in the team," said Dutta.

Given that he might not make it to the first match, Bhaichung is trying hard to be fit for the remaining two matches against Bahrain (Jan 14) and South Korea (Jan 18).

I-League's top scorer and Churchill Brothers striker Mohammad Rafi, who has been put on stand by for the captain, is travelling with the team and will replace Bhaichung if he is ruled out.

If Bhaichung is ruled out, the team management will retain him as a technical official so that the Indian captain can boost the morale of the team from the technical bench. Climax Lawrence or Gourmangi Singh will be leading the team in Bhaichung's absence.