By Julian O’Shea
Metro News
Mantell, who set up the second goal in Great Britain’s 4-1 win, suffered a broken fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot after being accidentally hit with a stick by an Indian player.
Tournament regulations mean a replacement cannot be called up, so Great Britain will have a squad of just 17 players for Saturday’s game with Australia, where they aim to try and secure a place in Sunday’s final.
No timescale has been put on Mantell’s recovery and treatment from his injury, but the Great Britain Olypmic squad is due to be announced next month.
News of the injury took the gloss off an encouraging win for Great Britain.
Poor defending by the visitors allowed the hosts to go 2-0 up in the first 11 minutes, with first Rob Moore netting with a reverse stick shot, and then Sandeep Singh deflecting in Mantell’s cross-shot.
VR Raghunath pulled one back for the visitors from a penalty corner, but two goals in three minutes by Ashley Jackson killed off the game as a contest.
His first came as he got a vital last touch on Ben Hawes’ long ball, and he added his second from close range to finish off good work wide on the left by Jonty Clarke.
Sandeep made up for his earlier own goal by scoring from a penalty corner aruond the hour mark, but there was no chance of a comeback as Great Britain made amends for their opening 3-1 loss to Germany.
The Germans followed up that win with another victory, 3-2 over Australia, so Great Britain need to beat Australia on Saturday to reach Sunday’s final.
