Enner Valencia injury update at FIFA World Cup: Ecuador captain and Golden Boot leader stretchered off during Netherlands match

Kevin Rodriguez of Ecuador replaced his skipper Enner Valencia in the 90th minute.

Published : Nov 25, 2022 23:30 IST

Enner Valencia of Ecuador being carried off the field on a stretcher during the match against Netherlands.
Enner Valencia of Ecuador being carried off the field on a stretcher during the match against Netherlands. | Photo Credit: AFP
infoIcon

Enner Valencia of Ecuador being carried off the field on a stretcher during the match against Netherlands. | Photo Credit: AFP

Ecuador forward Enner Valencia on Friday was stretchered off during a match against the Netherlands, after having seemingly hurt his knee in the exact region where he had sustained a previous injury in the opening match against Qatar.

Kevin Rodriguez replaced his skipper in the 90th minute.

Earlier in the game, the Golden Boot leader became the first South American and fourth player overall in FIFA World Cup history to score six consecutive goals for his nation.

“Portuguese Eusebio in 1966, Paolo Rossi with Italy in 1982 and Oleg Salenko with Russia in 1994” have recorded the feat before Valencia, Opta says.

Additionally, Valencia also became the highest goalscorer in Qatar 2022 with his equaliser in the 49th minute. This was his third goal in this edition of the quadrennial showpiece, the first two having come in a winning cause against host Qatar in the tournament opener on November 20.

Valencia was the first to react, after an Estupinan shot from the edge of the box at the Khalifa International Stadium was parried away by the Dutch ‘keeper Andries Noppert. He stabbed the ball in and wheeled away in celebration, with Netherlands players appealing, without success, for an offside.

Valencia has 38 international goals in 76 appearances. In Fenerbahce SK colours this season, the 33-year-old has netted on 17 occasions.

An official update on the injury is awaited.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment