Robin Singh to miss rest of SAFF Cup

Robin injured his knee as soon as he scored India’s second goal against Sri Lanka on December 25 and was substituted by debutant Lallianzuala Chhangte. Coach Constantine didn’t risk playing Robin Singh in the match against Nepal on Sunday.

Indian skipper Sunil Chhetri (left) will miss the services of Robin Singh in the semifinal.

Indian striker Robin Singh will miss rest of the SAFF Suzuki Cup Football championship.

Robin injured his knee as soon as he scored India’s second goal against Sri Lanka on December 25 and was substituted by debutant Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Coach Constantine didn’t risk playing Robin Singh in the match against Nepal on Sunday. Constantine in the post match brief had said that the player was making good progress and was expecting him to recover before the semifinal.

However, the MRI scan done on the player on Monday, revealed that his knee injury was more serious than it was thought to be. The doctors have advised 10 days rest for the player.

There was no option for the Indian team management but to release Robin Singh from the camp. Coach Constantine was naturally disappointed losing an integral player of his team. “It is a blow and loss for us. Robin had started scoring for the national team on a regular basis. He is a hard working guy,” said the coach. India is slated to play Maldives in the semifinal on Thursday in the first semifinal.