Malmö FF's defensive line has suffered a major blow as veteran centre-back Pontus Jansson is out for the remainder of the season with an injury, according to multiple reports. The absence of the experienced defender has created an opportunity for 18-year-old Bleon Kurtulus, who expressed eagerness to make his debut for the club, according to Expressen Sport. Kurtulus was handed his first start in Sunday's match against Sirius as a replacement for the injured Jansson.
However, his debut was cut short after just 20 minutes when he suffered a bloody nose, forcing him to leave the pitch, according to reports. He was replaced by Andrej Duric, who came on to fill the defensive gap. According to Sportbladet, TV4 expert Jens Fjellström described the early substitution as unfortunate for Kurtulus.
It's clear that I've thought about it and that I want to.
Despite the setback, there is optimism that Kurtulus could return to action relatively soon. According to Sportbladet, Fjellström described that it is probably not impossible for Kurtulus to come back with some form of face protection. The exact nature of Jansson's injury has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether Kurtulus will require surgery or simply rest for his nose injury.
The timeline for Kurtulus's return is uncertain, as is how long Duric will remain in the starting lineup.
It's unfortunate for him to have to step off.
It's probably not impossible that he (Kurtulus) will come back relatively soon with some form of face protection.