India concerned over Abhishek injury ahead of Asian Champions Trophy semi
India coach Craig Fulton expressed concern about forward Abhishek's ankle injury ahead of India's Asian Champions Trophy semifinal in Mohali on Wednesday, November 4, after Abhishek twisted his ankle during the team's 4-2 win over Malaysia on Sunday, November 1. Abhishek did not play in India's 8-0 victory against Korea on Monday, November 2.
The 27-year-old forward was forced off the field following the ankle twist in the Malaysia match, and India captain Harmanpreet Singh had expected a quick return while Fulton echoed the same sentiment. Abhishek was seen with the squad after the win as the team bid farewell to Jalandhar and prepared to travel to Mohali to face Korea again in the semifinal. Although some considered his omission from the Korea game a precautionary move, the issue appears to be more serious.
Fulton described Abhishek's situation as "touch and go" and said the team would need to be patient with his recovery. He told India Today that the forward would be reassessed on Tuesday to determine whether he could continue in the tournament. "We'll see tomorrow. We'll wait and see tomorrow night," said Fulton.
Fulton acknowledged the impact of potentially losing Abhishek while stressing the need for medical input on his availability. "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 scored three goals in the three matches he has played in the Asian Champions Trophy, contributing to India’s strong scoring return during the league phase. India finished the league stage with five wins from five games, scoring a total of 34 goals and conceding five.
India's dominance on Monday was accompanied by recurring second-quarter issues, with the team placed under pressure and conceding six penalty corners against Korea. Fulton pointed to how his side had started matches well but regained momentum after half-time, noting the pattern in the second quarter and the team’s stronger second-half display. "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 will travel to Mohali to face Korea in the Asian Champions Trophy semifinal on Wednesday, November 4, and the squad has said Abhishek will be reassessed on Tuesday to determine whether he can remain part of the team for the rest of the tournament.