India centre back Sandesh Jhingan undergoes successful surgery for cheekbone fracture

Indian footballer Sandesh Jhingan has successfully undergone surgery for a cheekbone fracture he suffered during the CAFA Nations Cup in Tajikistan. Jhingan, who plays for FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL), was injured in a match against Iran on Monday. FC Goa confirmed the news of his surgery via a statement.

Jhingan sustained the fracture in India's 3-0 defeat in the group match against Iran in Hisor, Tajikistan and returned home on Wednesday.

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"Yes, his surgery happened on Thursday," FC Goa CEO Ravi Puskur told PTI.

The 32-year-old seasoned defender is unlikely to feature in India's two crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifying round matches next month - on October 9 in Singapore and on October 14 in Margao - following the surgery.

The AIFF also released a statement and said that Jhingan "is under expert medical care in Goa, and his recovery and rehabilitation are being closely monitored".

"AIFF and FC Goa remain fully aligned in ensuring Sandesh receives the best treatment and every support required during this period," the statement said.

"The AIFF reaffirms its commitment to always stand by players and clubs whenever injuries occur on national duty, extending complete care and assistance. Our collective efforts are focused on helping Sandesh return to the field safely and at the earliest."

Jhingan has been a rock at the Indian backline for many years. He also shares captaincy duties with Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, among others.

His unavailability will be a big setback for India in next month's two AFC Asian Cup matches. The Blue Tigers find themselves in a difficult position to qualify for the 2027 continental showpiece.

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The Indian football national team, which is currently playing in the CAFA Nations Cup in Tajikistan, has made it to the third-place match after their goalless draw against Afghanistan and a 2-2 stalemate between Iran and co-hosts Tajikistan on Thursday.

India's third-place opponents will be decided on Friday after the conclusion of the two matches in the other group in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.