In new major blow to Mohun Bagan Super Giant ahead of the start of ISL 2023-24, attacker Ashique Kuruniyan has been pushed to the sidelines with an ACL injury.
Aashique suffered the injury in India’s King’s Cup match against Iraq on September 7. He played 57 minutes before being replaced by Rahim Ali after picking up the injury.
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MBSG officials weren’t too happy with the way India’s medical team treated the injury if a report by News ( is to be believed.
The outlet quoted an MBSG insider saying,” The Indian team’s medical team didn’t even do an essential MRI on Aashique, saying that the concern wasn’t serious and now has sent him back to the club.”
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The source added that the initial reports have suggested that he has suffered a 40% ACL tear.
A doctor’s board meeting scheduled on Tuesday night will illuminate the full extent of his injury. how long he will be out of action remains unclear for now.
The injury has pushed deeper veins though. MBSG management is now unwilling to release Liston Colaco who has been called up for the Asian Games.
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“We couldn’t possibly release Liston if Ashique Kuruniyan is injured for a lengthy period. We can’t go into the game without two of our premier wingers,” the MBSG source told news nine on this topic.
On Monday, the AIFF held an Emergency Executive Committee (EEC) meeting. Various options were discussed on how to send its top-ranked team to China. However, the Federation has not managed to persuade the ISL Clubs to let go of their first-choice players.
Sunil Chhetri has been named as one of the three overage players allowed in each team for the tournament. Gurpreet Sandhu and Sandesh Jhingan are the other two. However, clubs are in no way obligated to release players as the Asian Games falls on a non-FIFA international window. After the injury to Ashique, it’ll be interesting to see which way the club vs country saga turns.