Michael Soosairaj suffers ACL injury, likely to be ruled out of ISL

The wing back might head to Spain for treatment.

ATK Mohun Bagan midfielder Michael Soosairaj has suffered an ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury, Khel Now has learned. The player was injured after colliding with Prasanth Karuthadathkuni in the Indian Super League (ISL) opener against Kerala Blasters on November 20 - and while initial reports predicted that his condition was not very serious, it is now being understood that the injury will take at least six months to recover fully.

"Soosairaj has a Grade 3 ACL tear. He is expected to undergo surgery next week," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now. We have also understood that his reports have already been sent to Spanish medical experts, with ATK Mohun Bagan looking to carry out the remainder of his treatment in Spain in hope of a quicker recovery.

According to experts, a Grade 3 ACL injury takes a recovery period of six months or more, and that could also result in Soosairaj getting ruled out of the entire ISL season. According to sources, the club is yet to take a final decision in this regard, as they are still awaiting a response from Spain regarding his medical reports.

In case you missed it, the 25-year-old was a part of coach Antonio Lopez Habas' starting XI against Kerala Blasters at the GMC Stadium in Bambolim, Goa on November 20. Michael Soosairaj played as the left wing-back for the first 14 minutes, before a collition with Prasanth K forced him to be substituted. Following the injury and the resultant substitution, he walked back off the pitch making it seem like a not-so-serious problem - before the MRI scan results arrived on Monday and confirmed the ACL tear.

Needless to say, the injury to Michael Soosairaj puts a serious dent into the Green and Maroon's plans to impress in the ISL this season, especially after Jobby Justin also got ruled out of the competition earlier this month following a similar injury. Subhasish Bose, who replaced Soosairaj in the Blasters game, is now expected to cover for the player in the remainder of the season as well.

Meanwhile, ATK Mohun Bagan have been gearing up to face arch-rivals East Bengal in their next match on November 27. The game will also have the unique distinction of being the first-ever 'Kolkata Derby' in the ISL, with both clubs sharing a rivalry that spans over a hundred years.

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