Bangladesh defender Saad Uddin will miss the rest of the SAFF Championship after suffering an Achilles tendon injury against Sri Lanka. The right-back is expected to be out for an extended period, and the layoff could last as long as a year.

Saad was hurt late in Wednesday’s 4-0 win over Sri Lanka at the National Stadium in Paltan, a result that took Bangladesh to the top of their group and into the semi-finals. He had been on the receiving end of a strong tackle and was carried off on a stretcher to be taken to a hospital by ambulance.

Rahmat Mia replaced him, and Tests reportedly showed a tear in the tendon at his ankle.

Whether he will need surgery has not yet been decided, though team sources have confirmed he will play no further part in the tournament. Saad had previously suffered two knee injuries and returned after completing rehabilitation on both occasions.

Head coach Thomas Dooley had voiced serious concern straight after the match, fearing the defender would not play again in this edition. That worry proved justified, and Saad was absent from Thursday’s training session at the Bashundhara ABG Sports Complex.

Saad started both of Bangladesh’s first two matches in the tournament. Besides his defensive work, he contributed to attacks, so Dooley must now rethink his options down the right.

Cover is available. His younger brother Taj Uddin and Rahmat Mia are both in the squad, while Bishwanath Ghosh, who played as a number nine against Bhutan, is primarily a right-back. Tariq Kazi can also fill in there.

There was some encouraging news for Dooley. Topu Barman and Bishwanath Ghosh have recovered from their injuries and took part in the full training session. Players who featured against Sri Lanka stayed at the hotel for rest and rehabilitation.

Bangladesh, who won the SAFF title for the first and last time in 2003, will face Pakistan in the semi-finals on Saturday.