ISL 2017: List of injured players ahead of opening week of season

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Keane is among the big names who will be out

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The 2017 edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) is upon us and ahead of the first match of the season between Kerala Blasters FC and ATK, anticipation is at an all-time high. And for good reason too.

For starters, this is the first season where we will see a new format introduced to the league that will feature more matches and venues. Furthermore, the addition of Jamshedpur FC and Bengaluru FC add to the existing competition in the league and will surely add some spice to the pre-existing mix. All in all, the future looks bright for ISL 2017.

As the teams get ready for the start of the season, it's clear that the squads have shaped up well. Foreign inclusions have added to the aura of the league and Indian talent has shone through in recent times. However, one of the biggest challenges as always will be keeping the top players on each side fit.

So keeping that in mind, here are some of the players who will, unfortunately, miss the first round of matches in the ISL due to injury:

ATK

The defending champions may have added Robbie Keane to their side but are set to lose the Irish striker to an Achilles problem till December. The injury list also includes Jayesh Rane (Knee), Carl Baker (Achilles), and recently even Ashutosh Mehta.

Bengaluru FC

Newbies Bengaluru have their own injury concerns as injured keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte is set to miss out with a knock. Zohmingliana Ralte will also be on the sidelines with injury as will Dimas Delgado, who suffered a toe injury.

FC Goa

For the Gaurs, one of the big misses for the start of the season is Spaniard Adrian Colunga who is out with a calf problem.

FC Pune City

The Pune outfit will be without Indian winger and upcoming talent Kean Lewis for at least a couple of games as he recovers from an ongoing injury.

Mumbai City FC

The Mumbai side will be without the services of Aiborlang Khongjee for three or four games and Balwant Singh for the first match after the latter suffered an ankle injury in pre-season.

NorthEast United FC

The NorthEast team will be without Indian International Rowllin Borges due to a knee injury suffered quite a while back. He is expected back soon, however.

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