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What's the story?
Kolkata-based ISL franchise ATK have been hit with another major injury blow as their star midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh may be ruled out of action for the entire season, sources close to the team have told Sportskeeda.
The Indian star had suffered a knee injury in ATK's third-round clash against Jamshedpur FC on Friday at the JRD Tata Sports Complex in Jamshedpur and the team management is fearing the worst, such is the state of Lyngdoh's injury.
In case you didn't know...
Eugeneson Lyngdoh was ATK's first pick in this season's draft held in July when he was picked up by the defending champions in Round 3. He had earlier featured for FC Pune City in Season 3.
The heart of the matter
The midfielder went down injured in the first half of the match against Jamshedpur and limped off the pitch. ATK coach Teddy Sheringham remarked post-match that the midfielder got a knock on his knee and blamed the poor condition of the ground in Jamshedpur.
Lyngdoh's knee was heavily strapped after he was substituted by Sheringham. This will come as a huge blow for the Englishman as the Indian was a major cog in the ATK midfield and the club has already stacked up a long injury list.
ATK's marquee signing Robbie Keane hasn't played a game this season owing to an Achilles injury. Other players like Carl Baker, Jayesh Rane, Ashutosh Mehta, Anwar Ali and Shankar Sampingiraj make up the injury list for Sheringham's side.
To add to his misery, the Lyngdoh injury comes at a time when the ISL champions are struggling at the bottom of the standings with just two points from their matches so far.
What's next?
ATK next take on ISL season 2 champions Chennaiyin FC in an away game at the JLN Stadium, Chennai.
Author's take
Eugeneson Lyngdoh is a huge asset for the ATK side and his absence will definitely cause disruption for Sheringham and co. as they aim to defend their title. The other injuries have left ATK struggling with a poor start where they have drawn two games with no goals and were humiliated 4-1 at home by FC Pune City.
Teddy Sheringham will hope the other players recover quickly and provide a much-needed boost for the defending champions.
