HOCKEY | Peillat’s withdrawal due to ACL injury a setback for Toofans

Star drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat, who won Olympic and World Cup medals for both Argentina and his adopted country Germany, will miss the upcoming season of the Hockey India League (HIL) due to an ACL injury. The absence of Peillat, who scored eight goals in the previous edition, is a setback for last season’s runner-up Hyderabad Toofans. “Peillat ruptured his ACL during a routine training session in Germany. He will have a two-month rehab. It is a significant loss for us,” Toofans team director Siddharth Pandey told The Hindu . “Even though Peillat is irreplaceable, we have taken another German, midfielder Michel Struthoff, in his place. We are confident Amandeep Lakra, who did well last season and has gotten better, will rise to the challenge as our number one drag-flicker. Besides, New Zealander Nic Woods is there among others.” Pandey was confident that Toofans, coached by Pasha Gademan, would continue to impress. “We have Jean Danneberg, the FIH Goalkeeper of the Year. We are the only side which did not change its coaching staff. We hope to do well,” he said. Published - December 24, 2025 08:16 pm IST

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