ISL 2017: Udanta Singh and John Johnson ruled out of Bengaluru FC's clash against Kerala Blasters
What's the story?
Bengaluru FC have announced that they will be missing first-team players Udanta Singh and Braulio due to injuries and John Johnson due to a family emergency for their trip to Kochi to face the Kerela Blasters side on Sunday.
In case you didn't know...
Udanta Singh also suffered a hamstring tear, earlier this year in May. Bengaluru FC have had an injury-ridden season so far with Lalthuammawia Ralte, Dimas Delgado, John Johnson and Joyner Lourenco having already missed several matches owing to minor knocks and injuries.
Bengaluru FC are currently third on the table with 12 points in 7 games, while Kerela Blasters have had a poor season and are languishing in the bottom half with 7 points in 6 games.
The heart of the matter
Udanta Singh has been instrumental in building attacks this season but will be missing the next clash due to an ankle injury, confirmed their assistant coach Naushad Moosa, on the eve of the game.
"Udanta's got a slight problem with his ankle while Braulio hasn't made the trip with an injury," said Moosa.
Meanwhile, Johnson will miss the match due to a family emergency. "We'll also miss John Johnson, who's had to miss this clash owing to a family emergency," said the BFC assistant coach, who as deputising in the absence of head coach Albert Roca.
What next?
Bengaluru FC would be hoping to go second with a win on Sunday while a win for Kerela Blasters with a goal difference of minimum 3 would rocket them from eighth to the fifth position in the table. Also, with AFC Cup matches coming up, Bengaluru FC manager Roca would be hoping to have the full squad available by then.
Sportskeeda's take
Bengaluru FC would be hoping that Udanta Singh would bounce back from his injury soon enough, as he gives them a lot of pace down thee flanks.