MUMBAI: Former Barcelona and Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen was ruled out of the Indian Super League (ISL) Monday with an ankle injury only days before the start of the tournament.

The veteran Icelander, FC Pune City's marquee signing, said doctors had told him to undergo rehabilitation on his left ankle in order to prolong his career after conducting tests on what he thought was just a niggle.

“After getting it checked and having multiple opinions, I have been advised that it needs more extensive rehabilitation,” the 37-year-old said in a statement issued by the team.

“The team doctors as well as the league doctors recommended that if I want to continue playing in future, as I intend to do, I must give myself some time off the field to recover.

“The fans and people here, who gave me a warm welcome, deserved more from me but unfortunately my campaign with FC Pune City has to end for now.”

Gudjohnsen, a two-time winner of the English Premier League with Chelsea and who also won the Champions League with Barcelona, was one of the biggest names to sign up for the third edition of the ISL which begins this weekend.

Pune have also been hit by the withdrawal of former Cameroon international Andre Bikey, who will also miss the 11-week tournament with a torn tendon on his left thigh.