In a devastating blow to India’s hopes in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, star central defender Sandesh Jhingan’s season hangs in the balance due to a knee injury sustained during the Asian Cup.

The 30-year-old, known for his defensive prowess and leadership on the field, might miss the crucial home game against Kuwait on June 6, a match pivotal to India’s aspirations of advancing to the third round of the qualifiers, a feat they have never achieved before.

The injury occurred during a match against Syria on January 23, where Jhingan, in a valiant effort to thwart Syrian forward Pablo Sabbag, suffered a knee injury. Although he soldiered on until half-time after receiving medical attention, Jhingan collapsed early in the second half, sidelining him from competitive football ever since.

After the incident, Jhingan sought the opinion of a doctor in Belgrade, whom he had consulted before for medical advice. However, neither FC Goa, his current club where he moved this season on a three-year deal, nor the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has provided an official injury update.

The only communication from the club, on February 1, mentioned that “a period of rest from competitive play will be necessary for his complete recovery.”

Amidst the uncertainty, FC Goa signed central defender Nim Dorjee on January 31, the final day of the winter transfer window, possibly as a contingency plan for Jhingan’s absence.

On Saturday, an FC Goa official hinted that surgery might be necessary for Jhingan, potentially involving anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. A member of the national team staff confirmed this, adding, “It is likely Jhingan could be out for three to six months.” Both officials chose to remain anonymous, highlighting the sensitive nature of the issue.

This setback comes on the heels of Jhingan’s previous ACL injury in October 2019, which forced him to miss the entire 2019-20 season. He made a triumphant return to competitive football with ATK Mohun Bagan in the following term, earning the title of India’s best player. Despite his individual accolades, Jhingan is yet to clinch the coveted Indian Super League (ISL) title, finishing as a runner-up four times.

As India prepares for the World Cup qualifiers, the absence of Sandesh Jhingan, a defensive linchpin and a key leader, poses a significant challenge. The upcoming months will be crucial for his recovery, and fans anxiously await further updates on his condition, hoping for a swift return to the pitch and a successful campaign for the national team.