Kolkata : Mohun Bagan’s star striker Balwant Singh is set to miss the crucial away ties against Mumbai FC and Bengaluru FC . The striker was not kept in the strong 18 member squad that travelled to Mumbai this evening.
Balwant , who is yet to recover fully from the groin injury , did train with the team today at the club ground . According to coach Sanjoy Sen “ I want Balwant to be fully fit for our remaining ties . He is a very important player in the team and his service will be required by the team in the future matches . ”
The team management have included Kean Lewis and Pankaj Moula in the squad due to the unavailability of the U’22 footballers who are now participating in the South Asian Games in Guwahati .
Despite of a minor shoulder injury Luciano is travelling with the team . Bagan coach Sanjay Sen is aware of their recent outings with Mumbai FC . Last season in I League Khalid Jamil’s side managed to salvage a draw against Mohun Bagan at Cooperage . Bagan coach Sanjay Sen would not like to see a repeat of that result . “ Mumbai FC has always given us trouble at Cooperage . We need to be cautious as we would not want any further slips . ”
Bagan assistant secretary Srinjoy Bose was present during the practice to cheer his players . Later he said that he would request the AIFF to postpone the Aizawl FC match on 4th March as they will fly to Hong Kong the following day to play their opening AFC Cup encounter against South China AA. “I am sure that AIFF will consider the matter as Mohun Bagan is representing India” said Srinjoy to the media at the club tent .
Commenting on the AIFF showcausing coach Sanjay Sen , the Bagan assistant secretary made it clear that they will be sending the reply by 12th February .
Sony Norde too aired the same view as his coach ,“ We will be aiming for full points . Any slip ups will make it tough for us . Both our opponents are strong contenders for the title . So a win against both of them will give a huge boost to our title defence . ” The winger further added a win in both matches will be a perfect valentine’s gift for her girlfriend . “ I want to dedicate both wins to my girlfriend as it will be perfect Valentine’s day gift” he said.
After facing Mumbai FC on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Cooperage Stadium, Mumbai, Mariners will lock horns with Bengaluru FC at the Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru on Saturday, February 13, 2016.
Mohun Bagan squad : Debjit Majumdar , Shilton Paul , Souvik Chakrabarti , Kinshuk Debnath , Luciano Sobrosa , Cornell Glen , Katsumi Yusa , Kean Lewis , Bikramjit Singh , Pankaj Moula , Dhanachandra Singh , Jeje Lalpekhlua , Raju Eknath Gaikwad , Sanjay Balmuchu , Pronay Halder , Sony Norde , Prabir Das , Abhishek Das