NorthEast United star midfielder Federico Gallego unlikely to be fit for first half of next season
(Courtesy : ISL Media)
The 29-year-old has still not fully recovered from the injury he sustained in the playoffs during the 2018-19 season.
NorthEast United's ace midfielder Federico Gallego is unlikely to feature for a major part of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League, Khel Now understands. The Uruguayan suffered multiple fractures in his shin bone after clattering with Bengaluru FC’s Miku in the second leg of the playoffs in the last campaign.
The news comes as a huge setback for the Highlanders and it’s fans who had been upbeat about the preparations after securing former Ghanaian captain, Asamoah Gyan’s signature. Federico is expected to make a full recovery somewhere around the New Year and has not taken part in any pre-season training or matches.
The 29-year-old was instrumental to the Highlanders' success last season alongside Bartholomew Ogbeche, with whom he had established a formidable partnership. He scored four goals and made five assists in 20 games for the club and his influence will be sorely missed by both the club and the supporters, especially after Ogbeche’s departure to Kerala Blasters.
Federico Gallego surely got the tackle bang on but at a cost. We hope it's not very serious!#HeroISL #ISLMoments #LetsFootball #BENNEU #FanBannaPadega pic.twitter.com/6djimRcAVA
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) 11 March 2019
NorthEast United face a dilemma of sorts moving on, as they will certainly start the new campaign without Gallego, unless his recovery is miraculously preponed. After signing him on loan at the beginning of last season from Club Atlético Boston River, the hierarchy secured his permanent move, signing him on a multi-year deal.
Therefore, if they were to release the player, then the club would be obliged to honour his wages for the remainder of his contract. Moreover, while he sits on the sidelines, one of the limited slots for foreign players remains unused.
It will be interesting to see how the new man at the helm, Robert Jarni, deals with this predicament. Does he deem Gallego an important part in his plans for the new season? The answer remains to be seen.
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The fans will be hoping for a quick recovery of their star midfielder and considering his social media posts, Federico is patiently working towards regaining full fitness.
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