Pune: The Pune-based franchise of Indian Super League had a setback today as their two key players Eidur Gudjohnsen & Andre Bikey were ruled out of the season due to injuries sustained during the pre-season training.
The Rajesh Wadhawan Group and Hrithik Roshan co-owned Indian Super League club, today, announced that their marquee player Eidur Gudjohnsen had picked an ankle injury in his left leg and midfielder Andre Bikey injured his tendon which will keep them out of the Pune’s campaign at this season.
Speaking about the injury and disappointment of not playing, Gudjohnsen said, “What was an exciting start to my new journey in India with FC Pune City, has come to an abrupt end unfortunately. Just a few days back, on my left ankle, what I thought was a niggle, turned out to be more than that. After getting it checked and having multiple opinions, I have been advised that it needs more extensive rehabilitation. The team doctors as well as the league doctors recommended that if I want to continue playing in future, as I intend to do, I must give myself some time off the field to recover.” However the player wished the fans and team for a great season.
Speaking about the nature of injuries to these two players, Club’s Team Doctor, Ajit Mapari said, “Bikey has a near complete tear of the central tendon of the left thigh at the proximal musculotendinous junction. Eidur has Achilles tendinosis of the left leg with nearly 40% thickness insertional tear involving the deep anterior fibres of the tendon at the calcaneal attachment. This basically means that for both these players, continuing to play in this condition can have an adverse effect on their long-term ability to play. Hence rest and recovery is recommended.”
Speaking about the gaps team might face due to absence of these two stalwarts, Head coach Antonio Habas said, “The injuries to Eidur and Andre both are unfortunate developments for us. Eidur had a very good pre-season training stint with us in Spain where he showed us his formidable skills. But then injuries are a part of every sport and football is a team game so we have to move on. Eidur leaves behind a lot of valuable inputs that came with his experience and the boys have learnt a lot from his presence during the pre-season training in Spain. We wish both all the best for their future.”