Ashique Kuruniyan ruled out for the season

The winger picked up an ACL injury that puts him out of contention for the season.

Indian Super League 2022-23 winners Mohun Bagan announced the unavailability of Ashique Kuruniyan for the whole of the 2023-24 campaign. The winger will be out of action due to a knee injury he picked up during India’s King’s Cup fixture against Iraq which ended 2-2 in the regulation period before the latter won the game in penalties. 

Allegedly, the winger was discharged from national duty without due analysis of his injury and its severity. Mohun Bagan were upset because of this neglect. Now, the club has confirmed the worst-case scenario and that is Ashique Kuruniyan is set to miss the season due to an ACL injury.

Fans of the club have expressed extreme disappointment after learning the extent and severity of Ashique Kuruniyan’s injury. The pacy winger is a crucial piece of the puzzle in Juan Ferrando’s plans and his absence will certainly be felt. 

A massive setback | Mohun Bagan to support Ashique Kuruniyan

Mohun Bagan have a huge season ahead of them. The club is competing in the AFC Cup and also steps into the 2023-24 season of the Indian Super League as defending champions. 

Ashique Kuruniyan was an important figure on the Mariners’ road to victory in the 2023 Durand Cup. He was shining bright in the fixture against Iraq until he had to be substituted in the 57th minute after sustaining a knee injury.

As it stands, Ashique Kuruniyan is spending a long period on the sidelines. The club has announced that it will “support Ashique with the medical and rehabilitation treatment.”

Liston Colaco to stay back

Mohun Bagan were unhappy with the treatment met out to Ashique Kuruniyan and were reluctant to send Liston Colaco for national duty after he was selected in the initial squad for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.

However, in the latest iteration, the Indian men’s squad does not have Liston Colaco which suggests he will stay back with the club. He will play a major role going into the season, especially due to Ashique Kuruniyan’s ACL injury.