ISL 2017: Dimitar Berbatov will be fit to play against Bengaluru FC
What's the story?
Kerala Blasters hitman Dimitar Berbatov has confirmed that he will be available for selection in the crunch tie against rivals Bengaluru FC on New Year's eve.The striker is currently nursing an injury he picked up during his side's humiliating 5-2 loss against FC Goa at the Fatorda stadium on Saturday.
Berbatov addressed his fans on Instagram and confirmed that he will recover within 20 days, just in time for their game against Bengaluru FC in Kochi.
In case you didn't know
Kerala Blasters and Berbatov have not had the best of times in the league so far this season. Despite playing the first 3/4 games at home this season, Rene Meulensteen's men are yet to register a single victory and the loss against Goa on Saturday added further insult to injury.
Things took a turn for the worst when Meulensteen confrimed that Berbatov, who came off injured early in the game, had suffered a calf injury. The news came as a huge blow to the Blasters fans who enjoyed their talisman's brilliant performance in a new role against Mumbai City FC.
Heart of the matter
Despite all the speculation regarding the striker's return to action, Berbatov took to social media and confirmed his availability for the game against Bengaluru FC by going LIVE on Instagram along with the MRI reports and the team doctor.
"I am just back from an MRI scan. I should be back in almost 20 fays. I should be fit probably for the game on 31st of December. The injury is not a big problem," Berbatov revealed. "I had a Grade 2 muscle injury. It is not as bad as I thought. It is not pleasant but yeah. We have already started recovery," he added.
Before signing off Berbatov revealed that it was a tough week for him due to the result against FC Goa followed by Manchester United's failure to overcome their rivals in the derby on Sunday. "This (past) week has not been good at all. First, the FC Goa loss and then Manchester United lost to Manchester City."
What's next?
Berbatov flourished in his new role against Mumbai City FC and will be a key component if the Blasters want to turn their fortunes around. However, he will be unavailable when they take on North East United at home on Friday.
Author's take
The news will come as a symphony to the ears of the population in Kerala who are already gearing up for their biggest game of the season against rivals Bengaluru FC.