ROTTERDAM, Nov 5: Pakistan will be missing injured striker Atif Bashir when the greenshirts meet Australia in crucial tie in the Champions Trophy Tuesday.

The right-in, who has broken his collar bone, will not be in the Pakistan line-up in the remaining Trophy matches, and had been advised six weeks rest.

While Atif’s absence will be blow for the Pakistan side who are trying to regain the title, the national side is also waiting for recalled striker Shahbaz Ahmad to return to his form.

Atif has been instrumental in opening attacks for his side and the injury has created worries for the team management.

Coaches Hanif Khan and Khawaja Junaid were, however, optimistic their team would fare well against the Australians.

“Certainly we will be going for a win against Australia. We are determined to win and would not like to go for a draw,” they said.

Captain Mohammad Sarwar is also worried with Atif being injured. “We are in a difficult situation but have to overcome it by all means,” he said.

Tuesday’s match against the Olympic bronze medallists will be a crunch match since a victory will strengthen Pakistan’s position in the Trophy.

However, even if they manage a draw against Australia they will still be in contention for the gold as they are just behind leaders Germany, with four points.

Pakistan drew 1-1 in their first match against the Netherlands, and beat Olympic silver medallists South Korea 2-0.—APP