Things haven't really gone Kerala Blasters' way in the Indian Super League (ISL) since the team returned to action following a Covid-19 outbreak inside their squad. And it won't be getting any easier for Ivan Vukomanovic's side as they take on SC East Bengal at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa on Monday.
Having led the pack less than a month ago, Blasters have now slipped out of the top four places after a 0-3 defeat to Jamshedpur FC in their previous outing. They are fifth with 23 points from 14 matches while East Bengal are second from bottom with 10 points from 16 games.
And Vukomanovic will have to spot a new-look backline against the Kolkata outfit with trusted centre-back Marko Leskovic and inspirational full-back Harmanjot Khabra suspended and Hormipam Ruivah ruled out for an extended period after undergoing a surgery for a broken nasal bone.
"We have a large squad. So, other players will take up that position. They know the task. I am not worried. I am confident these boys can do the job because it's been a while we have been working together," said the Serbian tactician. "Some of them will get playing time and also a chance to prove themselves," he added.
Despite their poor position in the league, East Bengal have been a bogey team for many high-flying sides in the league taking points off Bengaluru FC, Mumbai City, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC in recent weeks.
"I am sure top teams will not be happy to play us now because they know we'll be a very difficult team to beat. We are focused on winning the next match. Blasters have a very balanced side. They will miss some players but their squad depth is fantastic and they are performing well in ISL," their head coach Mario Rivera said on the eve of the match.
