Punjab FC have hit out against Kerala Blasters for an 'unwanted aggressive foul' that has left their star man, Luka Majcen, sidelined for up to eight weeks with a fractured jaw.
Majcen had come off the bench to score the opener before providing the assist for the winner in their Indian Super League opener at the Jawaharlal International Stadium in Kochi on September 15 (Sunday).
Shortly after setting up Filip Mrzljak to make it 2-1, Majcen suffered a nasty blow in the face from Blasters attacker Rahul KP who clattered into him while challenging for an aerial ball.
The foul resulted in an altercation between Punjab and Blasters players. Mohammed Azhar and Freddy Lallawmawma from the Blasters side and Mushaga Bakenga on the Punjab bench were booked. Rahul, who appeared dazed on impact, was also brandished a yellow card after a lengthy delay. After receiving medical attention, Majcen was seen up on his feet and communicating with the referees and teammates.
However, Punjab FC have announced that he will have to undergo surgery on his jaw that sustained two fractures. “He will return to action in 6-8 weeks after the surgery, depending on the medical conditions and clearances by the medical team,” Punjab FC said in a press release.
Punjab FC's Football Director Nikolaos Topoliatis said: “It is unfortunate that we will miss the services of Luka for the upcoming fixtures. It was an unwanted aggressive foul by the Kerala Blasters player which resulted in Luka’s injury and we as a club do not support such an aggressive nature of the game which yields to nothing. I wish him a speedy recovery and join the team back as soon as possible.”