The defending champions of the Indian Super League (ISL) are in all sorts of trouble even before their title defence.
Atletico de Kolkata will begin their ISL 2015 campaign against the mighty Chennaiyin FC on 3 October at the Jawaharlal Nehru, Marina Arena Stadium in Chennai. But they have a number of injury concerns to deal with, in addition to the difficulties faced in finding a place to practice before they left for Chennai.
Spanish defender Josemi, who was a part of the ISL winning squad last year, has suffered from a knee injury and might not feature in the opening game against Chennaiyin FC.
Goalkeeper Juyan Calatayud has also fallen ill. Tiri and Nallappan Mohanraj have been suffering from a groin injury.
"I will wait till Friday night to make my call regarding the squad for the Chennaiyin FC match. Josemi is doubtful for the first match," Atletico de Kolkata head coach Antonio Habas told reporters.
The latest to add to the injury list was Jewel Raja, who left the training session on Wednesday after he felet uncomfortable. The Atletico de Kolkata management has not confirmed what exactly has happened to him but he too seems to be doubtful for the first away match in Chennai on 3 October.
On top of the injury concerns, the defending champions found it hard to get a ground where they could have practised ahead of their travel to Chennai on Friday. Till Wednesday, they were practising in the Mohun Bagan ground but that could not be used from Thursday said a Goal.com report.
The Saltlake Stadium was also unavailable because of some ongoing renovation and maintenance work. Howrah Stadium was already booked by the East Bengal Club and they were left with only one option, the Barasat Stadium.
But the team's co-owner denied the reports.
"I don't know from where these reports are coming up. Everything is sorted and the team will use the Mohun Bagan ground until they start the season," Atletico de Kolkata co-owner Sanjeev Goenka told reporters.
