The Fiji men’s football team faced a significant challenge in their quest for a spot in the FIFA 2026 World Cup after it was announced that their captain, Roy Krishna, will be sidelined due to injury. Krishna, who suffered a grade 3 anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while playing for Odisha FC in the Indian Super League, will be unable to participate in the semi-final match of the Oceania play-offs against New Zealand set for March next year.
Following the injury, Krishna’s current season in the Indian Super League has come to an end as he is set to undergo surgery later this month, followed by extensive rehabilitation. The 37-year-old striker has been pivotal for the national team, having scored in crucial matches to help Fiji advance to the semi-finals, including a decisive goal in their victory over Solomon Islands, as well as goals against Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.
With Krishna out, other strikers like Sairusi Nalaubu, Merrill Nand, Thomas Dunn, Setareki Hughes, and Nabil Begg will need to step up in his absence. Despite the disappointment, Krishna expressed his optimism regarding his recovery and the team’s future, highlighting the nature of football and his commitment to supporting his teammates from the sidelines.
The head coach of Odisha FC, Sergio Lobera, also conveyed his sense of loss over Krishna’s injury while remaining hopeful about his recovery. He emphasized the need to stay focused and continue moving forward, even in the face of setbacks.
While this injury is undoubtedly a setback, Krishna’s determination to return stronger and the team’s resilience provide a silver lining as they prepare for the upcoming challenge. Fans and teammates will undoubtedly rally behind the squad as they aim to make a mark on the international stage, and there is hope that Krishna will return to action and continue to inspire Fijian football in the near future.
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