Labasa FC star Anish Khem is set to miss about a month after suffering a lower abdominal injury, the club confirmed. The 31-year-old, who had been named in Fiji’s national team after a standout run in the Extra Battle of the Giants, has been pulled from further duties to prioritise full recovery. Fiji Football Association chief executive Mohammad Yusuf said head physiotherapist Noel Augustine has advised Khem to take the necessary time to recover completely so he can be ready for the Inter-District Championship in November. Khem did not feature in Labasa’s 5-0 loss to Ba in the Extra Premier League and will sit out the remaining three rounds.
In a separate development, his brother Ashnil Raju is gradually returning from a spinal injury he sustained in July and is expected to rejoin the Labasa lineup soon.
Context and background:
– Khem has a notable Inter-District Championship pedigree, having first lifted the IDC at age 18 in 2011 and then returning to win the title again with Labasa 13 years later in 2024 at Churchill Park, Lautoka. He made the trip from Melbourne to Fiji for the IDC, stepping in for his younger brother Ashnil, who could not participate due to family commitments.
– The 31-year-old, who has spent time in Melbourne, is known for his versatility and leadership on the field. During the IDC run, he wore his brother’s No. 12 jersey to honor Ashnil and his family.
– Khem’s return to form and fitness has been linked to his prior preparation, including participation in the Sanatan World Cup in Sydney, which helped him stay match-ready ahead of the IDC.
Outlook:
– Labasa will be hoping for a swift recovery for Khem to bolster their push in the IDC in November. His absence will test Labasa’s depth, but the club has shown resilience in the past and remains hopeful he can rejoin the squad in time for key fixtures.
– With his national team call-up on hold for now, the focus will be on recuperation and a staged return to peak condition. If fully fit, Khem could again be a pivotal contributor for Labasa as they aim to defend or reclaim titles ahead of the Pacific Community Cup.
Additional notes:
– Khem’s situation underscores Labasa’s broader injury concerns, including Ashnil Raju’s ongoing spinal injury recovery, which has shaped squad planning in the short term.
– The club’s leadership and medical staff are prioritising a careful and complete return for Khem to ensure he can contribute meaningfully in the IDC and beyond.
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