Notwithstanding Thursday night’s win, East Bengal have problems galore. After his team's solitary-goal win over Salgaocar, which kept them in the hunt for a semi-final berth in the 31st Federation Cup, coach Philippe de Ridder first heaved a sigh of relief, and then, pointed out that the team lacked a good striker.
Bhaichung Bhutia is yet to recover from a hamstring injury and so is Syed Rahim Nabi, from an injured groin.
Mehtab Hossain, who received his second yellow card of the tournament, against Salgaocar, will miss Sunday's must-win game against JCT and that according to Ridder is a “body blow”.
“We are desperately missing a good striker,” he said, before adding, “Mehtab missing out will be a body blow for us. He plays in the central midfield and is such a crucial player at such a crucial position.”
Yusif Yakubu, the team's most impressive player so far, continues to struggle with fitness — he injured his ribs again on Thursday against Viva Kerala — but the team management said he will, in all probability, start against JCT.
A win on Sunday will see East Bengal through to the last four stage but if JCT manage to hold them, the red-and-gold brigade will have to depend on the outcome of the Salgaocar-Viva Kerala match.
{{/usCountry}}A win on Sunday will see East Bengal through to the last four stage but if JCT manage to hold them, the red-and-gold brigade will have to depend on the outcome of the Salgaocar-Viva Kerala match.
{{/usCountry}}Looking ahead at their do-or-die match, Ridder sounded confident.
“We played an excellent game on Thursday and I have full faith in my players; they will certainly play to the best of their abilities,” he said.
Asked about Bhutia's availability, he said: “He is a professional and unless and until he is 100 per cent fit, how can you expect him to play.”