ISL 2020-21: Kerala Blasters captain out for extended period after suffering ankle injury

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters FC confirmed on Thursday that captain Sergio Cidoncha will be out for an extended period of time after sustaining a high grade ligament tear on both sides of his right ankle during the clash against Chennaiyin FC on Sunday, 29th November.

"The Spaniard developed pain and swelling immediately on field following a tackle by the Chennaiyin FC defender Memo. A MRI scan conducted on the right ankle revealed the extent of Cidoncha’s injury who is expected to be out for an extended period of time.

"We are also consulting orthopaedic specialists on the scan reports and monitoring the player’s situation with utmost care," the club's sporting director Karolis Skinkys said in a statement released by the club.

https://twitter.com/KeralaBlasters/status/1334159973710843904

It is likely that Cidoncha will be forced to miss at least two months, which could very well extend further. This means that the Blasters captain will be out for majority of the season and is set to miss important clashes.

Cidoncha's injury is a big blow for Kibu Vicuna and his team who were banking on the midfielder to provide the creative forays from midfield. Pairing up with Vicente Gomez, Cidoncha impressed with his overall contributions in central midfield. He managed to score one important goal against NorthEast United and also has enjoyed a a passing accuracy of over 78%.

In the absence of Cidoncha, Sahal Abdul Samad's importance in the squad gets magnified. Vicuna's side has been winless in the three matches so far and if they are to get their first win, they have to pull up their socks. The Blasters take in FC Goa next on Sunday, 6th December.

Also read: Jobby Justin suffers injury, ruled out for entire season