ISL 2020-21: Kerala Blasters lose Sergio Cidoncha for an extended period due to ankle injury

Kerala Blasters captain Sergio Cidoncha will be on the sidelines for an extended period after picking up a high grade ligament tear on both sides of his right ankle during their match against Chennaiyin FC on Sunday, 29th November.

The Spaniard developed pain and swelling immediately on field following a tackle by the Chennaiyin FC defender Memo. A MRI scan conducted on the right ankle revealed the extent of Cidoncha’s injury who is expected to be out for an extended period of time.

“We are also consulting orthopaedic specialists on the scan reports and monitoring the player’s situation with utmost care,” said Karolis Skinkys, the club’s sporting director, in a statement released by the club.

Even though the club hasn’t announced a timeframe of his recovery yet, Cidoncha is expected to be out for at least two months. That means he will miss the majority of the season for the Blasters.

Cidoncha’s injury is a big blow to Kibu Vicuna’s plans. The midfielder had formed an excellent pairing with Vicente Gomez in the midfield and had scored recently in the game against NorthEast United as well. Cidoncha had also recorded an overall pass accuracy of 78% which is pretty good.

Sahal Abdul Samad is expected to take up Cidoncha’s role in the side. The Blasters are yet to register a win in the three games so far. Their opening fixture of the ISL season ended up in a 0-1 loss against ATK Mohun Bagan whereas their next two games resulted in drawn encounters. One was a 2-2 draw against NorthEast United FC, in which the Highlanders came back from behind in the second half. Another one was a 0-0 stalemate against Chennaiyin FC.

The Blasters have lacked the penetrating force to open up the opposition defence in all the matches so far. While their midfielders have been pretty good, they do need to work a lot on their finishing. They also need to bring Gary Hooper more into play as he has been a prolific scorer all throughout his career.

The Blasters will take on FC Goa next on Sunday, 6th December.