Ecuador are sweating on the fitness of star striker and captain Enner Valencia after the 2022 World Cup's top scorer was carried off on a stretcher late on in the 1-1 Group A draw against the Netherlands.
Valencia made it three goals in two games with the equaliser four minutes into the second half against the Netherlands, tapping in from close range after Pervis Estupinan's shot had been parried by Dutch 'keeper Andries Noppert.
However, a superb personal performance came to an early end as Valencia — who had been a doubt for the game with an ongoing right knee injury — went down in the closing stages.
Ecuador's Enner Valencia was carried off on a stretcher following an apparent injury.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/R1jiVBBvTU
— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) November 25, 2022
After a spell of treatment, he was carried off on a stretcher looking to be in some pain, although he subsequently took his place on the bench with a large ice pack on the joint.
There's a video that shows him to come off the field after the final whistle without any assistance.
Ever wonder if there is gamesmanship? From stretcher to a chill walk for Valencia 🤣🤣 #ECU #WorldcupQatar2022 pic.twitter.com/AAPK1DixCi
— Aly Wagner (@alywagner) November 25, 2022
Will Enner Valencia play in World Cup match vs Senegal?
Subsequent media reports suggested Valencia would be fit to face Senegal on Tuesday in Ecuador's Group A finale where a point will be enough to take them into the Round of 16 for the second time after 2006.
Enner Valencia sale del campo de juego caminando con normalidad. Tranquilidad, que el goleador está bien.
— Diego Bustamante Bustamante (@dfbustamante3) November 25, 2022
The 33-year-old has scored Ecuador's last six goals in World Cup finals, including both in their opening fixture at the 2022 tournament, a 2-0 win against hosts Qatar, when he was also replaced in the closing stages.
He now has 38 goals in 76 international appearances and is the top scorer in Ecuador's World Cup squad; the next highest is Michael Estrada, on eight goals.
Valencia has also hit 13 goals in 12 league appearances for Turkish side Fenerbahce this season, and will be key for Ecuador in their crucial match against Senegal.
