NorthEast United FC’s gun midfielder, Federico Gallego has been ruled out of remainder of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) due to a knee injury which he sustained during NEUFC’s match against Chennaiyin FC on 29 November at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The club, on Friday, announced across social media platforms that Gallego “will be unavailable for the rest of the Hero ISL 2021-22 season.”

Even we want you back on the field, @Fedegallego! 😔

Wishing you a speedy recovery! 🙏🏼

Watch the #NEUCFC game live on @DisneyPlusHS - https:/t.co/bUVnO8OfTq and @OfficialJioTV

Live Updates: https:/t.co/oY1R0ZfK0L#HeroISL #LetsFootball #ISLMoments https:/t.co/5eGx6Qpvms pic.twitter.com/NUgEp5GA18

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 29, 2021

In the 21st minute, Gallego was at the receiving end of a challenge, with his knee prodding the turf. The midfielder was stretchered off immediately after what looked like a serious injury.

Gallego suffered a similar fate in the 2019-20 campaign when he missed the first half of Hero ISL, returning to make 10 appearances. The Uruguayan has so far played an influential role in clubs’ success to reach the semi-final on two occasions in the last three seasons.

🚨 Club Statement on Federico Gallego's injury 🚨#StrongerAsOne #TogetherWeAreInfinite pic.twitter.com/ur7TdbuIu2

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) December 3, 2021

Retained ahead of the 2021-22 season, Gallego was once again one of the Highlanders’ key players in their run to the Hero ISL semi-final, however, the injury has backtracked their plans.