Kalu ruled out for six weeks

Prolific ATK forward Kalu Uche was Friday ruled out for at least six weeks with a grade three qaudricep tear, leaving a "big hole" in the squad, coach Steve Coppell said.

The coach said the Nigerian forward has gone back to Barcelona to receive medical treatment and the ATK think tank has sought for a replacement. Kalu is unlikely to be available for six matches.

"He had an extensive tear in his quadriceps muscles. It is grade three which is quite bad. We expect Kalu to be fit around Christmas so we are really looking for a player to fill in for what could be five games after this game," Coppell said on the eve of their match against FC Pune City.

"We got league approval only last night so we could not get anyone in for this match. He obviously leaves a big hole in our squad. We have requested the ISL whether we can replace him in the short time.

"They have said yes we can but that creates problems in itself because trying to find someone for a short period of time is very difficult. We have sent feelers out for replacements."
"First and foremost I would say, don't conceded a set piece and commit a foul. If you do concede one, you have to be alive to situations and defenders have to accept more responsibility."