Chennaiyin FC’s Rafael Crivellaro has been ruled out of the ongoing Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 due to injury, the club announced on Thursday in a statement. Thus, Rafael Crivellaro and Marina Machans have decided to part ways for the rest of the season.

However, the Brazillian footballer, who has led Chennaiyin FC in the past, will return to the side in the ninth season of the tournament, according to his two-year contract.

In fact, Crivellaro had missed the bulk of the previous season but he had still extended his contract. However, unfortunately, he suffered a Grade 2 muscle injury while training in the pre-season sessions and would take some time to recuperate.

“It doesn’t feel good to leave the team like this. But I have to work on myself. And we decided that it was best to do so at home, with my other family. I am only temporarily leaving and will be behind the boys every step of the way. I cannot wait to get back and play in Chennai next season. My love to the fans,” Crivellaro said.

In fact, the attacking midfielder had last played a match for Chennaiyin FC on 29th December 2020 against ATK Mohun Bagan. But he suffered an ankle injury which ruled him out of the previous season and he left the bio bubble to go back home and start his rehabilitation.

Criverallaro had signed up with Chennaiyin FC in 2019 and had played a key role in taking the team to the final of the season of Hero ISL 2019-20. The 32-year old has played 27 matches thus far for the club in which he has scored eight goals and has provided nine assists.

Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC has so far played seven matches in the ongoing season in which they have won three matches while they have lost two and two games have ended in a draw. Thus, the Marina Machans are currently placed in the sixth position in the point table with 11 points under their bag.