Abhishek doubtful for India's Asian Champions Trophy semi-final
Striker Abhishek remains uncertain for Wednesday's match against South Korea due to an ankle injury sustained during the warm-up.
India's chief coach Craig Fulton said on Monday that striker Abhishek is doubtful for the upcoming semi-final against South Korea. The player sustained an ankle injury during the warm-up before the match against Malaysia on Sunday, according to The Bridge.
Fulton stated that the coaching staff is waiting to see if the player can recover given the short timeline. He noted that playing him could risk further injury. However, India skipper Harmanpreet Singh expressed optimism that Abhishek will return for the match.
India defeated South Korea 8-0 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar to remain unbeaten in the tournament, as reported by Bhaskar English. Dilpreet Singh scored two goals, while Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sukhjeet Singh, Sanjay, and Angad Bir Singh each scored once.
The victory allowed India to finish at the top of the points table with 15 points from five league-stage matches. India will face South Korea again in the semi-final on 4 November at the Olympian Balbir Singh Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
The tournament action is shifting to Mohali for the knockout stages, which include the semi-finals, classification, and final matches on 4 and 5 November, according to The Tribune. The Punjab Sports Department has decided to install a statue of Balbir Singh Senior at the entrance of the Mohali venue.