ISL 2020-21: Ashique Kuruniyan allays fears about his condition following his injury last night

Bengaluru FC and India winger Ashique Kuruniyan posted a heartfelt message on Twitter earlier today to provide an update on his condition after suffering a freakish injury last night in Bengaluru’s Indian Super League (ISL) match against Odisha FC. The Malappuram-born youngster had to be taken to hospital after he was caught in the face by Odisha’s Jerry Mawihmingthanga in the 48th minute of the match.

Bengaluru FC provided an update after the match, confirming that he had suffered multiple fractures to his face and had been kept under observation. Thereafter, Ashique himself tweeted a message for fans on Friday alleviating fears about his immediate health and acknowledging the messages that he has received from everyone since the incident.

https://twitter.com/Ashique_22/status/1339821070518382592

What is most heartening is that he categorically cleared Jerry of any wrongdoing on his part. He said, “It was a completely unintentional collision. Jerry is my brother and this is football and as players this is something that can happen to anyone.” He then went ahead and quoted Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic saying, “You can fix your nose, but if you let somebody score the goal your pride cannot be fixed," before going on to ask his well-wishers to keep praying for him and promising that he will be back stronger.

Bengaluru FC went on to win the match 2-1 with goals from Sunil Chhetri and Cleiton SIlva. Steven Taylor scored Odisha’s only goal. The Blues’ head coach Carles Cuadrat conceded after the match that Ashique’s injury was a bitter pill to swallow. More so because he has been the side’s best player this season so far playing down that left corridor. “I think he (Ashique) was our best player at the moment of the season, after six games, and he was having a great season. Maybe it will be a long time before we get him back," he said ruefully.