Balwant returns to practice ahead of Derby, Bernard Mendy looks set to miss the game

IT'S RELIEF for Mohun Bagan fans and anxiety for East Bengal loyalists regarding player availability before Saturday's Kolkata Derby.

Bagan fans breathed a sigh of relief this morning when their striker Balwant Singh, who had picked up a groin injury on Wednesday and sat out during practice yesterday, returned to full training this morning and looked like he had regained full fitness. 

Balwant has scored 2 goals in the previous matches for the Mariners and his availability is a good news for the defending champions. He is expected to give a tough competition to in-form striker Jeje Lalpekhlua - who played regularly for Chennaiyin FC in ISL and India in the SAFF Championship - in getting selected in the first eleven tomorrow.

Meanwhile, East Bengal officials have not yet manage to clear the paperworks for Bernard Mendy's visa. The new signing, a veteran defender at ISL franchise Chennaiyin FC, is a player that the Red and Golds could put to good use against the Mohun Bagan attack. But now the chances for him to arrive in time for the Derby are all but over and this logistical failure has got the East Bengal fans a bit nervous, although they are banking on former Mohun Bagan defender Bello Razaq to be at his best tomorrow.