Ashique Kuruniyan sustains ACL injury; Mohun Bagan might not release Liston Colaco

Ashique Kuruniyan picked up the injury in the King's Cup semi-final against Iraq.

Ashique Kuruniyan, who suffered an ACL injury during India's King's Cup loss to Iraq on September 7, was allegedly discharged from the national squad on Tuesday without having his ailment's full extent determined. Mohun Bagan Super Giant are dissatisfied due to the same and are currently discussing whether or not to release Liston Colaco for the Asian Games as a result.

Ashique Kuruniyan started for India in the semi-finals but was forced to be replaced by Rahim Ali in the 57th minute due to an injury. Kuruniyan missed India's 0-1 loss to Lebanon in the third-place play-off on September 10 as well.

Four days after incurring an injury, Mohun Bagan SG claimed that the medical staff of the national team had not thoroughly investigated the seriousness of the ailment. On Tuesday night, Ashique and other players are anticipated to fly back to India, where they will start working out with their respective clubs ahead of the Indian Super League.

According to a report coming from News9, an MBSG insider informed them, “The Indian team’s medical team didn’t even do a basic MRI on Ashique, saying that the concern wasn’t serious and now has sent him back to the club”.

The insider further added, “Initial reports suggest that he has suffered a 40% ACL tear. A doctor’s board meeting tonight will illuminate us to the full extent of his injury and how long he will be out of action.”

Mohun Bagan unwilling to release Liston Colaco

The manner Aashique's injury was handled have made Mohun Bagan unhappy. So, Mohun Bagan stated they would think twice before releasing Liston Colaco, who has been asked to go on national duty for the upcoming Asian Games.

Anwar Ali has also been selected for the continental competition. However, Mohun Bagan, like all other Indian Super League (ISL) clubs, are unwilling to make a decision about their first-choice defender due to their vital AFC Cup group stage matchup away to Odisha FC on September 19.

The MBSG source also told the News9 reporter, “If Ashique is injured for a lengthy period, then we couldn’t possibly release Liston as we can’t go into the game without two of our premier wingers.”

Following the AFC Cup match, the mariners will host Punjab FC on September 23 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan to begin their 2023-24 ISL campaign. Ashique's injury while on national duty would be a significant setback in such a hectic schedule, and the Mariners regret that they will now have to care for him.

On Monday, the AIFF's executive committee convened in an emergency session to discuss potential strategies for sending its strongest team to China. Previously Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan had been chosen as the three overage players for the Asian Games, but the federation has now decided to send a second-string team for the Asian Games.