Delhi played a goalless draw with Chandigarh on Monday and advanced by virtue of finishing second, behind Jharkhand, in Group B. However, they would be missing the services of captain and tournament top-scorer Ankit Sharma up front after he aggravated a knee injury.

"It's a big blow for us," chief coach and manager Ranjit Thapa told Sportline over phone from Bhilai.

Sharma has netted five of the nine goals for Delhi in the championship so far. "We played him against Chandigarh but he had to be replaced after the first half. It would be a big advantage if Ankit plays tomorrow, but right now the chances dim," Thapa said.

There are more fitness concerns for Delhi, with midfielder Ajit Awasthi also likely to sit out, while right back John Mao has picked up two bookings and won’t be able to take the field either. "It's clearly a big handicap, but we have faith in our bench," said Thapa.