In a concerning turn of events, Ashique Kuruniyan sustained an ACL injury during India’s King’s Cup match against Iraq on September 7, and he was reportedly released from the national squad without a full assessment of the injury’s severity. This decision has left Mohun Bagan Super Giant dissatisfied and has raised doubts about whether they will release Liston Colaco for the Asian Games.
Ashique Kuruniyan had started for India in the semi-finals but had to be substituted by Rahim Ali in the 57th minute due to his injury. Unfortunately, Kuruniyan missed India’s third-place play-off match against Lebanon on September 10.
Four days after the injury occurred, Mohun Bagan SG expressed their disappointment, stating that the national team’s medical staff did not conduct a thorough examination of the injury. On Tuesday night, Ashique and other players are expected to return to India, where they will begin rehabilitation with their respective clubs in preparation for the Indian Super League.
According to reports from News9, an insider from MBSG revealed, “The Indian team’s medical team didn’t even perform a basic MRI on Ashique, claiming that the injury wasn’t serious and has now sent him back to the club.”
The insider went on to say, “Initial reports suggest that he has a 40% ACL tear. A doctor’s board meeting tonight will provide us with a clearer picture of the extent of his injury and the duration of his absence from play.”
Due to the handling of Ashique’s injury, Mohun Bagan is reconsidering the release of Liston Colaco, who has been called up for national duty in the upcoming Asian Games. Anwar Ali has also been selected for the continental competition. However, like all other Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, Mohun Bagan is hesitant to make a decision regarding their first-choice defender, especially with a crucial AFC Cup group stage match against Odisha FC scheduled for September 19.
The MBSG source also conveyed to the News9 reporter, “If Ashique is sidelined for an extended period, we may be unable to release Liston, as we cannot afford to enter the game without two of our top wingers.
