Atletico de Kolkata face injury crisis prior to ISL opener
Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) has suffered a major setback, with Spanish defender Josemi almost certain to miss the first match of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) against Chennaiyan FC on Saturday.
The 36-year old, has missed the last few practice matches for the Kolkata based franchise. ATK Head Coach Antonio Habas said, "We will take a call on this on Friday, he has picked up a slight knock. We are hoping he gets fit soon.”
He was inspirational for the Kolkata outfit with a match winning performance against Kerala Blasters in the final of the tournament last season.
The 2004-05, Champions League winner with Liverpool formed a formidable partnership with Indian defender Arnab Mondal at the heart of ATK’s defense, leading the team to eventually win the inaugural season of the ISL last year.
He also made the maximum number of appearances last year, by any player in the competition, starting all 17 matches last season.
The growing injury list is a huge spot of concern for Habas. Along with Josemi several other key players of the Kolkata team are carrying injuries. Another Spanish defender of ATK, Tiri got injured on Tuesday during a practice session at the Mohun Bagan ground.
Goalkeeper Juan Calatayud is not fully fit while Nallappan Mohanraj is nursing a groin injury making him unavailable for their first match. Sheikh Jewel Raja is also doubtful as he sustained a thigh muscle injury lately. The team will fly to Chennai on Friday morning for their opening match.
The mighty Chennaiyan Fc team will feature the likes of talismanic Brazilian midfielder Elano who was the top scorer of last year’s edition along with Ethiopian, Fikru Teferra who was exceptional for the ATK team especially in the first few league games last season.
Josemi is more than required for the Kolkata side in this situation since the Chennai based team will go all out against them to win this league opener.
With the Maidan ground not available from October 1 to 15 and the Central Park to be taken over for works related to the Bidhannagar Municipal elections, ATK head coach Antonio Habbas has been fuming, over couple of weeks regarding the unavailability of proper practice venues. They were left with no venue to hold Thursday’s practice session.