ISL: Sahal Abdul Samad, a midfielder for the Indian national team, sustained an injury against Vietnam on Tuesday, September 27, during their second international friendly of the Hung Thinh Tournament.
In the 38th minute of the game, the Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC) star had to be replaced as it appeared that he had torn a muscle.
The 25-year-old kept to himself for the majority of the game until breaking into the opposing box and launching a shot from the right at the Vietnamese goalkeeper.
Sahal fired the shot, and immediately felt pain in the back of his leg. In order to avoid putting the KBFC player at risk, head coach Igor Stimac instantly substituted Rahul KP for him.
Sahal’s ailment is unknown at this time, but Kerala Blasters supporters will be waiting with bated breath in hopes of a speedy recovery.
On October 7, the Yellow Army will face East Bengal in the Indian Super League (ISL) opener at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
Sahal has become into one of the most important and adored players at the Blasters since joining the team before the 2017–18 season. In the KBFC team, he already holds the second-highest number of caps.
Do the Kerala Blasters FC have any players that could fill Sahal Abdul Samad’s position?
The greatest joy for Kerala Blasters FC supporters will be seeing Sahal healthy and active for the ISL debut. However, the youthful midfielder might be in a race against time with only 10 days till the start of the season.
If Sahal is unavailable for the opening game, who can step in?
Since the Yellow Army lacks a comparable substitute for Sahal, head coach Ivan Vukomanovic will have a major dilemma. In addition, hardly many players in the Indian league can compete with the great midfielder. Rahul KP, who took his position in the match against Vietnam, might fill a comparable role for KBFC.
Meanwhile, Givson Singh, a young player who has been hailed as a promising potential in Indian football, could take advantage of the chance to rise to the occasion and make an impact for the Blasters. However, supporters will be hopeful that Sahal will be as fit for the ISL start right now, before any reports surface.
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