Kolkata: Injury woes for the two-time Indian Super League champions ATK just a week before the start of the cash rich tournament. ATK’s star forward Robbie Keane is set to miss the first three matches of Hero ISL Season 4 due to an injury on his left knee.
Keane had undergone a MRI on his injured left knee on Thursday. According to the sources the doctors have suggested two weeks rest to the legendary Irish striker. That’s why there is a possibility of him returning to his country. He won’t be able to attend the introduction of ISL franchisees with news media in Kolkata on Sunday too.
Though the ATK team management is reluctant to comment anything regarding this matter. However some of them said that the ace forward might not attend Sunday’s programme. As per the sources of the team, Robbie is going to Mumbai for an ISL shoot. After that, he will return to Kolkata to join the team. But the real scenario is a bit different.
Four franchises are invited for Sunday’s programme by the ISL authority. Ahead of that they asked the four franchises to send the names of some players who would be present there along with the coaches. The last day of submitting the names was on Friday. The sources said that the ATK team management hasn’t sent the name of Robbie. They are trying to send Robbie to Bangalore for treatment, but the Irish striker wants to return to his country for treatment. After that he will join the squad in Kolkata. That’s why the possibility of him returning to Ireland from Mumbai is strong.
The current title holders will start their campaign in ISL Season 4 against Kerala Blasters on November 17 in Kochi. The football fanatics will miss the grand duel between Keane and Hume in the opening game.