Kerala Blasters’ coach takes injuries in his stride

KOCHI: Peter Taylor will be without two key men, including last year’s Emerging Player Sandesh Jhingan for the opening three rounds of the ISL, but the Kerala Blasters manager has taken the setback in his stride.

The Englishman said he could appreciate the situation having coached his national team at various levels and believes all teams are affected by the call ups for India’s away World Cup qualifiers against Turkmenistan and Oman on October 8 and 13.

“Cavin Lobo and Sandesh Jhingan are two excellent players we will miss but it is the same situation with other teams,” said Taylor. “I feel it is an honour for them to play for India,” added the veteran.

CK Vineeth who played full minutes in the first two qualifiers, against Guam and Oman is available for the Blasters. The winger was unused in the previous round at Bengaluru that the hosts lost 0-3 to Iran and he’s not part of the India squad for the upcoming fixtures.

“I have always wanted players to be available for their country so I can’t change on that,” Taylor said as he hopes to rely on the depth in squad to see through the tough opening fixtures, until Oct. 13.

Defender Aiborlang Khongjee who started 13 league matches last season is NorthEast’s only casualty during the international break.