Football: Lion City Sailors dealt blow as striker Tanaka ruled out for the season with ACL injury

The Sailors had prised Kodai Tanaka (No. 9) from 2022 champions Albirex in a bid to regain the SPL title after the sharp shooter racked up 33 goals and 11 assists. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH

SINGAPORE – The Lion City Sailors’ title hopes have been dealt a major blow barely a month into the 2023 Singapore Premier League campaign. Their key striker Kodai Tanaka has been ruled out for the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, the club confirmed on Friday.

The 23-year-old Japanese, who will be undergoing surgery soon, appeared to have got his foot stuck in the Jurong East Stadium pitch as he chased down a pass during the Sailors’ 4-0 loss to Albirex Niigata on Thursday.

He was replaced by Shawal Anuar in the 52nd minute and was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches.

The Sailors had prised Tanaka from 2022 champions Albirex in a bid to regain the SPL title after the sharpshooter racked up 33 goals and 11 assists to be crowned Player of the Year. He took no time to repay the Sailors’ faith in him, bagging three goals in the opening three games.

The loss of Tanaka means the Sailors, who sit fifth in the nine-team table, will have to cope without a recognised striker.

League champions in 2021, the Sailors came unstuck last season due to issues both on and off the pitch, as they failed to retain their title and had to tighten purse strings and release several players and backroom staff.

They started their 2023 campaign brightly with a 3-1 wins over Tanjong Pagar United and title contenders Brunei DPMM before losing to the White Swans.

Sailors coach Risto Vidakovic said their title fight continues without Tanaka, adding: “His absence will be felt, but we are confident that with the squad we have assembled, we will continue to challenge for the Singapore Premier League title, even in his absence.

“We will miss his goalscoring ability as well as the professionalism and positive vibes he brings to the dressing room.

“But injuries are an unfortunate reality in football, and it is a facet of the professional game that we can’t run away from.”

Vidakovic, whose men host Geylang International on Wednesday, said the club are looking to schedule an operation as soon as possible to start Tanaka’s recovery process.

He said: “We wish him the best in his recovery, and we have no doubt that he will drive as hard to recover as he has on the pitch for the team.”

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.