Panagiotis Dilmperis reveals change in plans following confident Luka Majcen's injury

The statement comes following the news of Luka Majcen’s injury. 

After quite a positive start to their Indian Super League (ISL) journey last season, Punjab FC have made a wonderful start to their second season in the ISL, as they registered an imposing 2-1 victory in Kochi against Kerala Blasters. 

The game was quite a positive outing for the Shers, as it gave them the perfect start to their ISL season, but the occurrence of a controversial incident pretty late into the game, rendered a big blow to the club.

The incident occurred very late into the stoppage time, when Luka Majcen and Rahul KP both went to challenge the ball midair, and the former suffered a nasty blow owing to Rahul’s reckless endeavour. 

Upon medical assessment, Punjab FC announced on Wednesday, that the injury Luka Majcen sustained, was quite serious, and that the player will be out of action for 6-8 weeks. 

“The Slovenian has sustained two fractures to his jaw, and he will undergo surgery in the coming days and will be under the supervision of the medical team. He will return to action in 6-8 weeks after the surgery depending on the medical conditions and clearances by the medical team,” the club said in a statement released on Wednesday. 

With now a key player out of action for more than a month, Panagiotis Dilmperis feels that the his players will not disappoint him, and will help in filling the void left by Luka Majcen. 

“I trust my players, I trust the experienced players and also the young ones, that they’ll manage during these 6-8 weeks,” said Panagiotis Dilmperis in the press conference ahead of the game against Odisha at home. 

Punjab FC have quite a dynamic and talented squad this season, filled with quality overseas as well as Indian players. The presence of skillful individuals like Ninthoi and Nihal Sudeesh in the front, combined with experienced foreigners like Bakenga and Mrzjlak, is easily capable of giving any defense in the league a tough time. 

With the Shers taking on another tough challenge in the looks of Odisha FC on Friday, it will be quite interesting to see how the Greek tactician works his way around the squad, and how he devised the perfect plan to get results despite having their marquee player at their disposal. 

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