Brandon Fernandes out of AFC Asian Cup qualifier v Bangladesh after picking up injury in India vs Maldives

Brandon Fernandes out of AFC Asian Cup qualifier v Bangladesh after picking up injury in India vs Maldives

India suffered a major injury blow as midfielder Brandon Fernandes was stretchered out during the international friendly against Maldives at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday.

Brandon picked up a knee injury in the 37th minute and was helped out of the field soon, with Farukh Choudhary replacing him.

Brandon’s injury poses serious challenges for Marquez, with the team already without first-team regulars Lallianzuala Chhangte, Manvir Singh, Asish Rai with injury.

After the match, India coach Manolo Marquez confirmed that the player will not be available for the Bangladesh game, set to be played at the same venue in Shillong on March 25.

“No, for sure, Brandon won’t be available. Yes, we will call someone. We will cover Brison, who was in the stands today. But let’s see which player – it’s really bad luck that we lost three players in the last game in ISL, plus Manvir the other day during the break session, and today, Brandon,” Marquez said.

“The pitch is very good. But if you remember the game against NorthEast, against BFC, against Mumbai, a lot of players slipped. And today, again, Brandon’s injury happened because he slipped alone.”

“In this kind of action, it is very dangerous. Let’s see. I hope it won’t be a big injury, but for sure, he cannot play again.”

The attacking midfielder, who made his senior debut against Curacao in an international friendly in 2019, had played 30 times for India, assisting three goals.

Published on Mar 19, 2025