NorthEast are pegged back with a more recent injury in training to Portuguese international Simao Sabrosa
NorthEast United head coach Cesar Farias (left) and striker Diomansy Kamara at the pre-match press conference in Kochi on Monday. (Photo: ARUN CHANDRA BOSE)
Kochi: Last season’s runners-up Kerala Blasters FC begin their Indian Super League-2 campaign at home against NorthEast United at Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday. Both teams, however, will be sans their marquee players.
World Cup winner Carlos Marchena has not yet recovered from a back problem and the Blasters are likely to be without him for at least a week. NorthEast are pegged back with a more recent injury in training to Portuguese international Simao Sabrosa.
“Marchena will probably be fit for the game on the 13th or later,” said Blasters head coach Peter Taylor who took charge from David James with the latter taking a sabbatical from coaching after an impressive ISL debut.
The absence of Sandesh Jhingan and Cavin Lobo due to the national team call is another worry for the Blasters but their boss said he was “pleased with the squad”.
Cesar Farias who replaced Ricki Herbert as NEU manager has called for character from his side ahead of the difficult opener.
“Simao is a very important player but he will be out for first two games with a dead leg,” said Farias.
The Venezuelan, who guided his national team to the knockouts in the 2011 Copa America, sounded philosophical on opening the season away from home.
“In football, those who prepare for adversities and adapt are going to overcome and be winners. We have an experienced side that knows how to handle pressure and adapt to different realities,” said the South American.
The Blasters are banking on a wealth of added options in attack, including former Arsenal winger Sanchez Watt and claim to have a balanced squad despite losing top goal scorer and talisman Iain Hume to Atletico de Kolkata.
“We’ve got more options upfront than we did last year. Sanchez Watt is an exciting player and we hope he produces the ability that he’s got,” said Taylor.
Rahul Bheke is expected to deputise for Sandesh at right-back while Kerala boys C.K. Vineeth and Mohammed Rafi could start. Stephen Bywater looks primed to succeed David James in the Kerala goal ahead of India international Sandip Nandy.
Taylor refused to be tagged favourites as he expects the away team to hit with counter-attacks. Frenchman Cedric Hengbart is a vital cog in NorthEast’s defence.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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