For the last few months, Kerala Blasters fans have been desperately seeking answers to one question: When will Adrian Luna return to the field?
The Uruguayan playmaker, a key figure in the team's success in the first half of the ongoing season, last played in the yellow jersey on December 3, 2023, in an away match against FC Goa. On December 16, the club announced that Luna underwent a minor arthroscopic surgery for the treatment of a chondral knee injury. Recently, Luna joined the team and resumed training, and his return to the field is eagerly awaited by fans and the team.
Examining Blasters' performance before and after Luna suffered the injury reveals why he is considered the lynchpin of the team. During the nine games Luna featured in, Blasters won five matches, and drew and lost two each. However, since his injury, they have played an equal number of games, but lost five of them.
The ISL resumes on Saturday and Blasters meet Jameshdpur FC in an away tie (7.30 pm). Blasters are in fifth spot with 29 points from 18 matches.
Let's try to find answers to some of the questions raised by Blasters' fans on social media and fan pages regarding Luna's injury.
Luna has joined the team after undergoing a successful surgery. What is the update on his fitness?
Luna is fit and fine. He has started training with the ball. He has been using a ball during warm-up drills as well.
Has Luna started to attend full-fledged training sessions?
No. He is yet to start training with the other team members. During practice sessions, the squad members usually play five-a-side, seven-a-side, or eleven-a-side matches. Luna does not attend these practice matches because they are physically demanding.
What impact does Luna's return have on the team environment?
The excitement over Luna's return to the team is palpable. More than anyone else, head coach Ivan Vukumanovic is aware of Luna's importance to the team as a player and leader.
Can we get to see Luna taking the field if Blasters secure a spot in the playoffs?
It all depends on how his body will respond to the training sessions scheduled for the first week of April. If everything falls in place, Luna will be seen in action in the playoffs.
