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What’s the story?
Mohun Bagan's Sony Norde will be out of action for two weeks due to his knee injury. He will miss the matches against Indian Arrows on December 29 and Chennai City FC on January 2, 2018 at the ongoing I-League 2017.
An MRI has been done and the doctors are hopeful that the knee just got swollen. Doctors have said that the tissues are fine but he needs to take bed rest for two weeks at least. They have further advised him to use the crutch when he will be walking in the coming fortnight.
The context
Norde, the heartthrob of Mohun Bagan supporters, was injured during the match against Churchill Brothers and missed the following match against Shillong Lajong which the Mariners drew 1-1.
Upset with the result, Norde almost forced his way into the playing XI in the match against Neroca FC while coach Sanjoy Sen did not want him to play. In the dying minutes of the match, Norde once again felt the pain in his knee and went out of the field.
The heart of the matter
The other reliable midfielder Yuta Kinowaki is suffering from collarbone injury and returned to Japan for operation. Ansumana Kromah is not fully fit as well but the biggest threat for Sen at the moment is the unavailability of Norde.
Norde is not only the best player in the team but he also drives the team on the field along with the captain. However, the Bagan coach is not worrying much over this, rather he is focussing on the footballers in hand. He said that foreigners are important but the Indian contingent is capable enough to make the differences.
What’s next?
Mohun Bagan have wasted four points in their last two matches, which could be costly for them at the end of the season. They need to get back to their winning ways as soon as possible.
Author’s take
Norde is the game-changer for the Mariners. He is the best foreigner now playing in the I-League and of course, the highest-paid among all of them. He needs to come back to the squad as soon as possible or else things will not be easy for the Mariners.
