Bhubaneswar, Jan 17: India mid-fielder Hardik Singh’s medical report does not show any serious injury to his hamstring and, though he is doubtful for the game against Wales on Thursday, he should be available for selection if the hosts qualify for the quarter-finals of the hockey World Cup, his team-mates said on Tuesday.
Hardik, who scored a brilliant goal from a solo effort against Spain in India’s opening match on January 13 at Rourkela, kicked a football with his right foot during training on Tuesday.
He had suffered the injury during the match against England on January 15 in Rourkela.
“He (Hardik) should be fine. His MRI was done and it’s alright. It was a small injury, his muscle stress was not that bad. He should be fine for the quarter-finals,” young striker Abhishek said after team training.
“Can’t say whether he will play against Wales or not. There are two days left and it depends on how much he recovers,” he added.
Senior mid-fielder Manpreet Singh said that Hardik needs a little rest and should be back soon.
“Hardik abhi theek hey, jyada serious nahi hey (Hardik is alright now, not very serious). But he needs a little bit of rest; hopefully he will come back soon,” said the former captain.
Earlier in the day, Hockey India said that the team management will take a decision on Hardik’s availability for the match against Wales after assessing the extent of his hamstring injury.
“At the moment, no replacement request has been put forward to the FIH,” said Hockey India.
Belgium draw Germany
Defending champions Belgium found the equaliser with six minutes left in the match to play out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Germany and keep themselves in the hunt for a direct quarterfinal qualification in the FIH Men’s World Cup here on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, South Korea came back from one goal down to beat Japan 2-1 in an earlier Pool A match. South Korea are at third spot with three points. (PTI)
