Kerala Blasters FC confirmed that skipper Jessel Carneiro suffered an injury during their match against Hyderabad FC on 9 January at Tilak Maidan Stadium in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).

Carneiro was stretchered off in the final few minutes of the match after a sliding tackle that caused him excruciating pain. The official statement by the club said that “the defender is suspected to have a shoulder injury. Further scans have been taken to better assess the severity.”

Head coach Ivan Vukomanovic confirmed that the defender will be replaced by Nishu Kumar who will make his first appearance in the starting XI this season after getting playing minutes as a substitute. The interim captain of the side will be announced before the match kicks off.

Carneiro made four tackles, interceptions and blocks each to help his side record a clean sheet against Hyderabad FC and climb the top of the league table with three points in the bag after a 1-0 win.

Kerala Blasters FC will clash with Odisha FC in their next encounter on Wednesday at the Tilak Maidan Stadium.