FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 : Graham Reid provides clarity on Injury of this midfielder

The FIH Men’s Hockey World cup 2023 at Bhuvaneshwar and Rourkela returns today after a days gap with Malaysia and New Zealand (Group C) locking horns in the first match of day 5. Three more matches are on schedule with another Group C match (Netherlands Vs Chile) and 2 Group D fixtures – (Spain Vs England) & (India Vs Wales).

The main focus is on the Indian team which is searching for their 2nd Hockey World cup title and first since 1975. This is for the second time in a row that Odisha is hosting this mega event and the host nation cannot have a better chance than this. 

India started their WC campaign in style with a 2-0 win against Spain followed by a goalless draw against England. These results did boost India’s morale and their improved style of play is pretty much evident. However, the Blues dealt with a blow after the news of Hardik Singh‘s hamstring injury against England. 

Hockey World Cup 2023: Mid-fielder Hardik Singh unlikely for match against Wales

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His injury scare raised doubts over his availability in the last group stage fixture and only a successful MRI scan would ensure his fitness to be able to play. But the good news for Indian hockey fans came last night when head coach Graham Reid admitted that Hardik Singh’s MRI scans are looking better than expected. 

Although, it is not confirmed yet if he is going to play today or not but it looks as if the Midfielder will be featuring in the later stages of the tournament. The 24-year-old is a key player in the team during their build-up play from the midfield. He doubled India’s lead against Spain through an exceptional solo goal. 

Hardik being a part of the Bronze Medalist team during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is also a core member of Graham Reid’s side. His exclusion could have given him a lot of headache because as mentioned before he is the lynch pin in the midfield department.

India will go against Wales at Bhuvaneshwar’s Kalinga Hockey Stadium from 7:00 PM onwards.