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What's the story?
East Bengal's Super Cup squad has been announced and there is one notable exclusion in Nikhil Poojary. Poojary misses out on the Cup after a long-term injury ruled him out. On the other hand, Mohammed Rafique makes the squad despite fear of him spending some more time on the sidelines after the Indian international suffered an injury while on international duty.
In case you didn't know...
Rafique was loaned out to Atletico de Kolkata for the 2014 Indian Super League season. He was the scorer of the goal in the 90th minute which saw the Kolkata-based club lift the first ever ISL title.
The heart of the matter
East Bengal's super cup team was announced on the 1st of April 2018. Rafique, who suffered an injury while representing India in their match against Kyrgyzstan is back in the squad. The Red and Gold brigade will, however, be without 22-year-old Poojary as he faces a lengthy term on the sidelines. Coach Khalid Jamil has called upon the services of youngster Bidyashagar Singh to replace the injured Poojary.
Rest of EB squad for the Hero Indian Super Cup is as follows:
GK: Ubaid C.K., Barreto, Sarkar
DEF: Mondal, Lalramchullova, Ferreira, Gurvinder Singh, Mehtab Singh, Ranjan Singh, Ali Mallick, Kumar, Longvah
MID: Aucho, Al Amnah, Pete Lobo, Yusa, Fernandes, Ralte, Rafique, Bidyashagar Singh, Vanlalremdika, Sarkar
FW: Justin, Kromah, Omagbeni
What's next?
Rafique's inclusion is certainly a welcome revelation for the red and golds. However, they will miss Poojary's energy in midfield after an impressive breakthrough season, which saw him become a full international.
Author's take
Nikhil Poojary has suffered a setback in what has been an impressive season so far for the youngster. The 22-year-old's form led to a call-up to the National Team. However, East Bengal still has lots to look forward to starting with a match against Mumbai City F.C. in the pre-quarters of the Super Cup.
