Sandesh Jhingan’s ISL season might be over as of now due to the knee injury he endured in the Asian Cup 2023. Sandesh also faces the uncertainty of missing India’s World Cup qualifiers to take place in June.
India face a vital game against Kuwait on June 6 with their chances of making the third round of the qualifiers for the first time depending on it.
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Sandesh Jhingan’s Injury: Misfortune and Road to Recovery
Sandesh Jhingan, the 30 year old defender from Chandigarh hurt his right knee in action against Syria late in the first half on January 23. After successfully preventing Syrian forward Pablo Sabbag from getting to the ball, he fell awkwardly.
Unsteady on his feet after receiving medical attention, Jhingan remained on the field until half-time. He collapsed early in the second half and has been absent from competitive football since then.
After the injury in the Asian Cup, Jhingan had opted to sought the opinion of a doctor in Belgrade, whom he had consulted with before.
But since the 1st of February after FC Goa’s official update that said, “A period of rest from competitive play will be necessary for his complete recovery,” neither the club, where Jhingan moved this season on a three-year deal, nor All India Football Federation (AIFF) has an official injury update.
Following the doubts surrounding his availability FC Goa signed central defender Nim Dorjee on the last day of the winter transfer window that is January 31.
On 23 February, an FC Goa official stated that Sandesh Jhingan may require surgery, possibly for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Speaking alone, a national team staff member confirmed the information. “It is likely Jhingan could be out for three to six months,” another Indian Official said. Both the Indian Officials requested anonymity given the sensitive nature of the issue.
Sandesh had a previous issue with the same injury in October 2019 when he missed the 2019-20 season. He returned to competitive football the following season with ATK Mohun Bagan and was adjudged India’s best player. Jhingan won the emerging player of the season award in the first ISL in 2014. Unfortunately, Sandesh has been runner-up four times and is yet to win the ISL shield.
Sandesh Jhingan: Key Player and Injury Setback for FC Goa
Sandesh Jhingan’s leadership qualities stood out in the ISL as he evidently played a major role in FC Goa securing six clean sheets out of ten matches. Sandesh showcased his defensive prowess throughout the ongoing ISL season, with five interceptions, four blocks, and an exceptional 56 clearances.
The former Bangalore defender slotted smoothly into the backline of FC Goa and their lineup during the summer transfer window, forging a strong partnership with Odei Onaindia at the center-back position.
“FC Goa regret to announce that defender Sandesh Jhingan has suffered an injury to his right knee while on duty with the senior Indian National Men’s team in the AFC Asian Cup 2023. Following the injury, Sandesh has undergone a thorough series of examinations and the initial indications suggest a period of rest from competitive play will be necessary for his complete recovery. @SandeshJhingan and the Club are truly grateful for the outpouring of concern and well-wishes from the fans, and updates on his progress will be provided in due course,” FC Goa wrote on X (Twitter) while putting out an update on Jhingan’s injury.
In the meantime, Jhingan’s injury just before the resumption of the ongoing ISL season is a major setback for the team, which is actively pursuing the ISL League Shield. The Gaurs will seek consultation from the medical professionals to examine Jhingan’s condition and find out the best course of action for his rehabilitation. However the club has not provided an exact date for his return.
