Akash Mishra sidelined with long-term ACL injury

The Indian international is expected to be sidelined for the entirety of 2024.

The Indian football team and head coach Igor Stimac are grappling with a significant loss as left-back Akash Mishra, who was absent from the ISL final with Mumbai City, has been ruled out of the crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers against Kuwait and Qatar due to an ACL injury.

A source close to the situation disclosed to Khel Now, “Akash Mishra has sustained an ACL injury requiring surgery, which is likely to sideline him for the remainder of 2024.”

The Uttar Pradesh-born defender had been a vital component for both Mumbai City and the Indian national team in recent seasons, making 26 appearances for Mumbai in the 2023-24 ISL and AFC Champions League and representing India 15 times during the same period.

In light of Mishra’s absence, Igor Stimac may consider players such as Subhasish Bose and Jay Gupta as potential replacements for the upcoming matches. Meanwhile, Mumbai City are expected to explore the transfer market to temporarily fill the void left by Mishra for the 2024-25 season.

At 22-years-old, the young defender will need considerable support from loved ones and family as he navigates this challenging phase of his career. Many footballers have returned from ACL injuries stronger than before and Mishra will undoubtedly be aiming to emulate them.

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