By IANS
New Delhi : The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has sought an appointment with Mumbai’s orthopaedic surgeon Anant Joshi, who treated Sachin Tendulkar’s injured foot, for the treatment of injured defender Deepak Mondal.
“We are trying hard to get an appointment Friday so that we can fly Deepak over and start the treatment immediately,” AIFF general secretary Alberto Colaco told IANS Thursday.
The Mohun Bagan defender injured his left knee Monday during India’s 1-0 win over Bangladesh in the ongoing Nehru Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium here and had to be rushed for an X-ray right after the match.
Mondal was taken for an MRI scan Tuesday afternoon and the report revealed a muscle tear and fluid accumulation in his knee.
The AIFF is not taking any chances and, if necessary, Mondal may undergo knee surgery in Mumbai.
Mondal has been ruled out of the Nehru Cup and is doubtful for the Federation Cup in Ludhiana next month. Incidentally, he had to undergo surgery two years ago on his right knee.
“Immediately after the impact, I felt there was a problem,” Mondal had said the day after he was injured.
His absence from the team is a big blow for the national team as the seasoned stopper back is considered the backbone of the Indian defence.