ISL 2020-21: Rafael Crivellaro ruled out for the season with ankle injury

Chennaiyin FC captain Rafael Crivellaro has been ruled out for the rest of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 season due to an ankle injury. The Brazilian picked up the injury in the goalless draw against ATK Mohun Bagan. He did not feature in Chennaiyin’s match against Hyderabad FC thereafter which they lost 4-1.

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Crivellaro had made a positive start to the match and could have put his side ahead after 16 minutes when his shot was saved by Mohun Bagan goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja. He was also involved in a couple of decent moves that culminated in shots off target from Lallianzuala Chhangte and Jakub Sylvestr. Then, in the 62nd minute mark, a clumsy tackle from Pronay Halder left him in a heap on the floor. He managed to soldier on for a few more minutes but had to eventually come off.

Although he was initially expected to be back in a week or two, subsequent examinations by the medical team have confirmed a serious injury to the ligament in his left ankle which will keep him out for at least two months. The 31-year-old will now be travelling back to Brazil for further treatment while the club will try to replace him in the January window.

That, however, will not be easy for a side which is languishing at eighth in the points table and needs someone to come in and make an immediate impact. More so because of the influence that Crivellaro had on the youngsters in the side, both on the pitch and off it.