Mohun Bagan likely to miss Sony, Balwant in tough Aizawl test

Mohun Bagan in all likelihood will be missing their premier player Sony Norde and forward Balwant Singh as they take on a formidable Aizawl FC at home in an I-League encounter, here tomorrow.
Bagan are coming off an AFC Cup 2-1 preliminary stage win against Colombo FC. Both Bagan and Aizawl are on 13 points with the home side playing five games to Aizawl's six.
But in their last league engagement, the former champions were held to a goalless stalemate by DSK Shivajians.
Haitian Norde did not train today due to knee niggle and coach Sanjoy Sen does not want to take the risk.

"I have more than 24 hours to take a decision. I feel some pain in my knee but I wanted to play. The coach asked me if I feel the pain, it is better to take rest because two important games are coming up (AFC Cup home match against Colombo FC and East Bengal)," Norde said.
"He (Norde) is struggling and there is a big question mark on whether Norde will play or not," Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen said.

Bagan's list of injured players is pretty long with stopper back Raju Gaikwad and Eduardo Perreira, winger Kean Lewis also not hundred percent fit.

"This is the first team in Mohun Bagan history that we have injuries in so many positions besides the goalkeeper," Sen added.
The good news is that midfielder Pronay Halder and defender Kingshuk Debnath are returning from injuries.
"They are only one point behind us and it's going to be a very tough match," Bagan striker Darryl Duffy said.
"We watched their set pieces and they are a very dangerous side," the Scottish marksman added.
Aizawl, on their part, have always been good at home with their pace ever menacing. But the Federation Cup finalists might be without the services of Syrian midfielder Mahmoud Amnah who has a toe injury.

"We are ready for the match and we are not taking anything lightly. We will take a call on Mahmoud Amnah who has a toe injury. He may or may not start," coach Khalid Jamil said.
"The team have settled down well and we're improving match by match. I give all the credit to the boys. They got less time and adapted very well," the former Mumbai FC gaffer said.