Neither FC Goa nor FC Pune City have been able to record a win or a draw in their opening game of ISL 2016 and it is of prime importance that the players of both teams remain fit prior to their second game of the tournament on Saturday.
The bad news, however, is that the schedule of the Indian Super League is a crunched one and it is very difficult for players to remain fit at the face of that. The home side for Saturday's match, FC Goa have as many as three players unavailable owing to injuries. Brazil football legend Zico, who is the coach of the side, has stated that defenders Luciano Sobrosa, Gregory Arnolin and Debabrata Roy are unavailable and that is a major cause of concern for the Goa side.
FC Goa goalkeeper, Laxmikant Kattimani, too, has not been at the top of his form as he conceded two goals against NorthEast United in their last month, the first goal of which took place owing to an error.
Lucio and Co therefore, will have their work cut out against Pune City.
The away side, meanwhile, will be without former Atletico de Kolkata coach Antonio Habas yet again, as he serves a four-match suspension from last season. The Spanish coach's assistant Miguel will once again be in charge.
The Pune assistant coach has not revealed whether marquee player Momo Sissoko will be making his ISL debut on Saturday but when asked, he said he would take a calculated decision. "He [Sissoko] is fit but I do want to comment if he is going to play or not," said Miguel. "Both new signings [Sissoko and Dramane Traore] are fit and can take the field if necessary."
Eugeneson Lyngdoh, too, will be unavailable for Pune, as he currently prepares with Bengaluru FC for the AFC Cup 2016 semifinals.
