Carl McHugh set to miss Odisha clash after suffering head injury

The ATK Mohun Bagan midfielder was taken off in an ambulance in the first half against Hyderabad FC.

ATK Mohun Bagan midfielder Carl McHugh is out of hospital, but is currently under observation. McHugh suffered a head injury in his side’s 2-2 draw against Hyderabad FC on Wednesday. The Irishman was taken off in an ambulance after the medical staff deemed it necessary to do so.

"The 28-year-old has been discharged from the hospital and is recovering well," informed a member of the ATKMB media team to Khel Now. "Carl McHugh though is still under observation at the hotel and is a major doubt for the club's next match against Odisha FC on Saturday," the official added. Another source confirmed to Khel Now that McHugh is indeed out of the Odisha FC clash as the medical staff doesn't want to risk him until full recovery.

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The incident occurred in the 41st minute when Hyderabad FC got a set-piece opportunity. As McHugh tried to defend it, he collided with Bartholomew Ogbeche just outside the penalty area. While the Hyderabad FC striker came out fine, McHugh was writhing in pain and medical professionals had to rush onto the pitch.

While the Irish midfielder was responsive, he couldn’t move for quite some time forcing the game to be halted. Eventually, the medical staff called an ambulance into the pitch, not knowing the gravity of his head injury. McHugh was given some treatment on the pitch after what looked like he had suffered a concussion.

The Irish midfielder was able to get up on his feet before being helped to the back of the ambulance. He was seemingly in his full senses and able to communicate with his teammates before being driven away to a hospital.

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After the game, ATKMB head coach Juan Ferrando wasn’t able to confirm the extent of his injury. He said, “I don’t know what happened to him, but I’m so scared. I talked to the doctor, but I’m scared because his condition was not good.”

It was confirmed later that Carl McHugh was fine and responding well in the hospital. But because of head injury protocols, he could be on the sidelines for quite a bit of time.

ATK Mohun Bagan’s next game is on Saturday against Odisha FC. It’s unlikely that the midfielder would be allowed to feature in a game only two days after suffering the head injury.

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