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Apuia Ralte’s knee injury sidelines him for at least 10 days, impacting Mohun Bagan’s Durand Cup fixtures and India’s CAFA Nations Cup preparations.
Apuia for Mohun Bagan SG (X)
Mohun Bagan and the Indian national team have both been dealt a significant blow just weeks ahead of crucial fixtures, as star midfielder Apuia Ralte suffers a knee injury that could sideline him for an extended period.
The injury occurred during a practice match, where Apuia collided with teammate Glan Martins. He limped off the pitch clutching his left knee, immediately sparking concern among the coaching staff.
Initial assessments suggest Apuia will be unavailable for at least 10 days, ruling him out of Mohun Bagan’s next few fixtures in the Durand Cup 2025.
Despite the setback, Sportstar reports that Bagan’s medical team has cleared Apuia for limited minutes in their final group stage game on August 9, pending a final evaluation a day prior, to avoid aggravating the injury ahead of more important matches later in the year.
Mohun Bagan Cruise Without Apuia
Even without their midfield anchor, Mohun Bagan Super Giant made a statement with a dominant 4-0 victory over BSF FT at the Kishore Bharati Stadium. The Mariners ran riot in the second half, scoring three goals in just eight minutes. Liston Colaco bagged a brace, while Sahal Abdul Samad and Manvir Singh also found the net.
With the win, Bagan now sit on six points from two games, trailing Diamond Harbour FC in Group B only on goal difference. Their final group-stage clash on August 9 will likely determine who finishes top. They previously edged out Mohammedan Sporting 3-1 in their opening match.
Major Setback for Mohun Bagan and Indian National Team
Apuia’s injury comes at a delicate time. As one of Mohun Bagan’s standout performers last season—earning the Player of the Year accolade—his availability for the upcoming AFC Champions League Two campaign later this year is paramount.
With the Durand Cup seen as part of the club’s preseason preparations, Bagan will be wary of rushing him back too soon.
The timing of Apuia’s injury is equally concerning for Team India, who are ramping up preparations under new head coach Khalid Jamil for the CAFA Nations Cup 2025, which begins on August 29.
With no ongoing Indian Super League action due to scheduling uncertainties, many players are struggling with match sharpness. Apuia was among the few consistently fit and in-form options for the Blue Tigers.
His potential absence could impact not only India’s chances in the CAFA Nations Cup but also in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers against Singapore later this year—must-win matches that are critical to the team’s continental ambitions.
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
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