Subrata Pal has suffered a huge setback after finding out that an injury he conceded in a Federation Cup match against East Bengal Club is more serious than diagnosed earlier. The India and Pune FC keeper suffered an anterior cruciate ligament rupture and will be out of action for at least three months.

Subrata’s injury is huge blow for his club and country. Pune FC will miss the services of the 24-year old keeper for most of the I-League 2011/12 season, which is scheduled to kick-off on Saturday. The Indian national team will also need to plan without Subrata Pal for the upcoming international fixtures in the coming months.

The Indian team is scheduled to take on Malaysia (Nov. 13 & 16), Zambia (Nov. 29), South Africa (Jan. 7) and German Bundesliga giants FC Bayern Munich (Jan. 10) in friendly matches, besides playing the SAFF Cup 2011 in December.

“The injury is unfortunate. I want to be back as soon as possible. And believe me sitting out is not easy,” Subrata told in a statement released on the Pune FC website.

“I am always with the team, even when I am out due to injury. I will cheer the team from the outside and wish that all you fans join me,” he continued.

Chirag Tanna, Pune FC Head Operations, told punefc.com: “Pal’s injury is a big blow after initially given to understand that Paul will be out for some weeks. However, medically it is much serious and involves an operation.”

“Pal’s absence will be felt but we do have the others capable of standing up to the occasion. Now is the time for the youngsters to stand up and get noticed,” Tanna concluded.

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Anterior cruciate ligament
(Description & Picture Courtesy: Wikipedia)

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a cruciate ligament which is one of the four major ligaments of the human knee. In the quadruped stifle (analogous to the knee), based on its anatomical position, it is referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament. The ACL originates from deep within the notch of the distal femur. Its proximal fibers fan out along the medial wall of the lateral femoral condyle. There are two bundles of the ACL—the anteromedial and the posterolateral, named according to where the bundles insert into the tibial plateau. The ACL attaches in front of the intercondyloid eminence of the tibia, being blended with the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. These attachments allow it to resist anterior translation and medial rotation of the tibia, in relation to the femur.

Anterior cruciate ligament injury is the most common knee ligament injury, especially in athletes. Lateral rotational movements in sports like these are what cause the ACL to strain or tear. Strains can sometimes be fixed through physical therapy and muscle strengthening, though tears almost always require surgery. The most common method for repairing ACL injuries is arthroscopic surgery. Other common injuries accompanying ACL tears are meniscus, MCL, and knee cartilage tears.

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I wish Subrata a speedy recovery. Looking forward to see you back in action very soon!