THE KOLKATA CLUBS are gearing up for the upcoming I-League season by picking up fresh signings, but injury problems are constantly undermining their preparations.
East Bengal received bad news when they found out that their star midfielder Cavin Lobo has suffered an injury while playing in the ISL for Kerala Blasters and will miss playing for India in the SAFF Championship. The officials are worried as they are trying hard to find out whether the attacking medio will be fit before the start of the I-League or not.
Mohun Bagan, too, had their brush with injury when promising young signing Kean Lewis got injured during training and had to be sent back home to recuperate.
Both the clubs, however, have made some progress towards strengthening their squads. Mohun Bagan have signed Subash Singh, who has recently put up a strong show for Mumbai City in the ISL. They are also in talks with Pronay Halder, a Dempo player who has represented FC Goa in this year's ISL. Pronay is looking for a new club in I-League following Dempo's relegation least season.
East Bengal, meanwhile, have picked up Lalchhawnkima who was left without a club after Royan Wahingdoh withdrew from participation in the I-League last month. The 24 year old defender earned a lot of praise with his performance last season, where he appeared in all 20 league games for Wahingdoh.
Also joining East Bengal will be Rehenesh TP, who has done well representing NorthEast United in the ISL.
Both clubs are hard at practice to prepare for their opening matches of the I-League season which occur on 9th and 10th January respectively.
Earlier today, Mohun Bagan played a practice match against Baranagar Sporting Club at the Mohun Bagan Ground. They won the match 5-0, with two of their star foreign players, new signing Cornell Glen and the dependable Katsumi Yusa, finding the net. But defender Judeilin Aveska, to the supporters' dismay, continued to struggle with bad form. The defending champions' fourth foreigner, the fan-favourite Sony Norde, will join the club's practice sessions on 27th December.