Kolkata: Defending Indian Super League (ISL) football champions Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) on Tuesday received a big blow to their campaign as their marquee player Helder Postiga was ruled out for three to four weeks.
The three-time Portuguese World Cupper, who made a stunning debut for ATK scoring a brace in their 3-2 win over Chennaiyin FC in ISL opener October 3, flew back home to treat his injury under his personal doctor.
Postiga who struck in the 13th and 70th minutes was stretchered off the field and rushed to the hospital after pulling a muscle.
"The MRI report revealed a strain in his muscle and we referred it to (co-owners) Atletico de Madrid. His personal doctor suggested that he should return home for a quick recovery and we're ruling him out for three to four weeks," an ATK official said.
He said Postiga would be back for their second home match which is against Delhi Dynamos FC on October 29.
In that case Postiga would miss four matches beginning with FC Goa, an away match on Wednesday.
ATK open their campaign at home against Kerala Blasters FC on October 13.
