New Delhi, Sep 5 (PTI) Star defender Sandesh Jhingan of India has successfully completed surgery on a cheekbone fracture incurred during the CAFA Nations Cup in Tajikistan, as reported by his Indian Super League team, FC Goa, on Friday.
Jhingan sustained the injury in a group stage match versus Iran on September 1, held in Hisor, Tajikistan. The match ended with India losing 0-3, and Jhingan returned to India on Wednesday.
FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur confirmed, "Yes, his surgery happened on Thursday."
This surgery places the 32-year-old defender in doubt for India's two crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifying matches scheduled next month—on October 9 in Singapore and on October 14 in Margao.
The AIFF released a statement asserting that Jhingan is "under expert medical care in Goa, with his recovery and rehabilitation being closely monitored."
The statement emphasized, "AIFF and FC Goa remain fully aligned in ensuring Sandesh receives the best treatment and every support required during this period."
The AIFF further pledged its "commitment to always stand by players and clubs whenever injuries occur on national duty, extending complete care and assistance. Our collective efforts are focused on helping Sandesh return to the field safely and at the earliest."
Sandesh Jhingan has long been a defensive mainstay for the national team and shares captaincy responsibilities with Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, among others.
His absence would be a significant setback for India in their pursuit to qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup—a challenging mission given India's current standing.
Despite the setback in the CAFA Nations Cup, India advanced to the third-place match following a scoreless draw against Afghanistan and a subsequent 2-2 draw between Iran and co-hosts Tajikistan on Thursday.
India's third-place opponent will be determined on Friday after matches in the other group take place in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
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