Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
India coach Craig Fulton admitted that there is concern about Abhishek’s injury heading into the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy. Fulton said that Abhishek’s case is touch and go at the moment and they will need to be patient with him.
India had a fantastic 4-2 win against Malaysia on Sunday, Novemeber 1, but the only negative point in the match came when the 27-year-old forward was forced off the field after twisting his ankle. India captain Harmanpreet Singh expected Abhishek to make a quick return and Fulton also echoed the same sentiments.
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ASIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY: FULL COVERAGE
He was subsequently not part of India’s 8-0 win against Korea on Monday, November 2. Abhishek was seen with the side after the win as the Indian team bid farewell to Jalandhar and make the trip to Mohali to face Korea once again in the semifinal on Wednesday, November 4.
While many felt him not playing on Monday was a precautionary measure, the issue seems to be far more serious. Speaking to India Today after the win, Fulton said that they will assess the forward once again on Tuesday and see if he can continue being a part for the rest of the tournament.
“We’ll see tomorrow. We’ll wait and see tomorrow night,” said Fulton.
Fulton admitted that losing Abhishek won’t be ideal and it is all now a waiting game with the forward in terms of his recovery.
“If you lose any player, it’s not ideal. We just have to wait and be patient. We’ll see what the medical staff say,” said Fulton.
Abhishek has been an instrumental part in India’s winning run during the ACT, scoring three goals in the three matches that he has played.
NO SECOND QUARTER CONCERNS
While India did secure a thumping win on Monday, the pattern of the team slacking a bit in the second quarter continued. India were put under pressure and conceded six penalty corners.
Against Malaysia, it was in the second 15 minutes that the team conceded the equaliser. However, Fulton brushed aside the concerns, pointing to how his side has started matches well and regained momentum in the third quarter.
“The more important thing is that we came back strongly in the third quarter after half-time and played some of our best hockey. Overall, our second half was better than the first. We started well, the first and third quarters were very good, and we finished well in the fourth,” said Fulton.
India ended the league phase of the ACT with five wins from as many games and scoring a total of 34 goals and conceding just five.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
