Mikael Stahre delivers key fitness update on Adrian Luna
The Blasters captain who missed the match against Punjab FC due to illness is yet to train since and won’t be involved against the Kolkata Giants.
Kerala Blasters FC head coach Mikael Stahre has ruled out midfielder Adrian Luna from the game against East Bengal FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) in Kochi on Sunday.
The Blasters captain who missed the match against Punjab FC due to illness is yet to train since and won’t be involved against the Kolkata Giants.
“Luna hasn't completely recovered yet. He won't play on Sunday. Hopefully we see him in the next match. He will be back in training very soon,” Stahre said in the pre-match press conference.
The Blasters suffered a 2-1 defeat in their season opener against Punjab FC and hosts missed the services of the Uruguayan who has often been the talisman for the team.
However, Milos Drincic who will captain the team in his absence believes that the team can cope in the absence of the midfielder.
“I am full of emotions when I talk about Adrian Luna because we need him as he is an important player for us,” Drincic said during the pre-match press conference.
“But we must step up, some other players must step up and show their qualities. Of course, we have some other players who can manage in midfield. Last year when he wasn't there for six months, we had some big wins,” he added.
The Blasters qualified for the playoffs for a third season in a row last season and will be hoping that the Yellow Army maintain or build on the success under new head coach Stahre.
After a poor start against the Shers, Blasters will be looking to get back to winning ways when the Red and Gold Brigade come calling on Sunday.