'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#1 FC Goa’s clean bill of injuries and suspensions
The ISL began in October 2019 and is set to culminate on the 14th of March 2020, spanning almost five months. Consequently, a tournament of such duration leads to countless injuries and suspensions, a sight that isn’t particularly enviable.
However, rather fortunately, the Gaurs have managed to keep their stars fit, meaning that they’ve been able to fire on all cylinders. Though Coro endured a patchy start, with respect to a slight niggle, he has since recovered to spearhead Goa’s charge.
Elsewhere, the defensive line has remained devoid of injuries with Carlos Pena and Mourtada Fall forming an immense partnership at the heart of the defence. At full-back, Mandar and Seriton have also stayed away from the treatment table and that has contributed to the Gaurs establishing continuity among their squad.
As for the suspensions, the 2018-19 runners-up enter the knock-out stages with most of their important players available. After missing the game against Jamshedpur FC, Brandon and Seriton are expected to return for the 1st leg of the semi-final whereas Edu Bedia and Jahouh have also served their suspension recently.
Boumous and Lenny, meanwhile, also escaped a booking at the Furnace, thereby ensuring that Goa would be able to field a full-strength squad in their last four clash.
In contrast, the Gaurs’ rivals have a few furrowed brows to address. While Bengaluru FC are sweating over the fitness of Sunil Chhetri, ATK have to contend without Agus.
Mumbai City FC, another potential semi-final opponent, are also missing the services of Paulo Machado whereas Odisha FC face the prospect of entering the semi-finals sans Aridane Santana.
Thus, when pitting Goa’s position against the circumstances engulfing their competitors, they seem to boast a significant advantage.
And, though there are several other aspects that could turn the tide in the Gaurs’ favour, it could simply boil down to their proclivity of choosing from the same set of players, week in, week out.
