ISL 2024-25: Saul Crespo to return after Mumbai City clash, could be available for East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan, hints Bruzon
ISL 2024-25: Saul Crespo to return after Mumbai City clash, could be available for East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan, hints Bruzon
East Bengal could be handed a major boost before the Kolkata derby next weekend, with midfielder Saul Crespo expected to return to India days before the clash.
The 28-year-old central midfielder had picked up a hamstring injury during an Indian Super League (ISL) match against Chennaiyin FC on December 5 and was ruled out for the next four matches in the league.
Though he will be out of the matchday squad for the match against Mumbai City FC on January 6, East Bengal coach Oscar Bruzon said Crespo will be back in the fold soon, keeping him in contention for the derby against Mohun Bagan Super Giant.
“He is finishing some paperwork regarding his visa. We hope he comes immediately after this game. Starting the week, it is a complicated time in Spain. Remember, it is Christmas,” Spaniard Bruzon said.
“We have a festivity tonight called Reyes Magos and Saul will come at the beginning of this upcoming week.”
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Crespo joined East Bengal in 2023, becoming a vital cog in midfield under former coach Carles Cuadrat as the club won the Kalinga Super Cup this year, its first trophy in 12 years. He had also won the tournament with Odisha FC the previous season.
The Spaniard has three goals and one assist for East Bengal this season and his return would be crucial for the Red-and-Gold brigade, especially at a time when its midfield talisman Madih Talal was ruled out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
East Bengal sits third from bottom in the standings but has lost just twice under Bruzon so far as the club aims to push for a playoff spot.
If and when Crespo returns, he could take Talal’s spot in the middle of the park if a replacement (central attacking midfielder) is not announced before the Mohun Bagan match.
