Kolkata : Mohun Bagan SG head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis has given key updates regarding availability of three key players – Miguel, Apuia and Jamie Maclaren ahead of their first home game of ISL 2026-27 against Chennaiyin at Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata.
Jamie Maclaren picked up groin injury during IFA Shield 2026 semi final against Punjab FC and since then he is out of Mohun Bagan lineup. Even yesterday he did some light practice, running, Ball passing isolated from main team practice session. He has been doing same ahead of every game and travelling with the team but didn’t get match fitness and it would be wise to bench him at the start of the ISL as it is a long double tier tournament that demands toll on physical and mental fitness.
Apuia is also down with viral fever that even ruled him out of practice sessions. The midfielder became unwell following the team’s previous game.
Even Brazilian Midfielder Miguel Figueira is also suffering from a hamstring injury and is ruled out of Chennaiyin FC game. He scored a decisive goal against SC Delhi that resulted in Bagan’s win but felt discomfort during that game.
Panos gave updates regarding these players. He said, “Maclaren is in process of coming back, we’ve to be very careful, Apuia is sice after the SC Delhi game and Miguel has hamstring injury. We’ve to wait for final decisions”.
The absence of Maclaren, Apuia and Miguel will leave void in midfield hence prominent player like Anirudh Thapa would take additional loads.
Mohun Bagan will take on Chennaiyin in Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan at 7:30 PM IST.
Speaking about team’s plans, Panos stated, “Our priority is our own team. We want to keep possession, move the ball closer to the opponent’s box, create scoring opportunities and prevent the opponent from creating opportunities. Hopefully, we will perform better in terms of scoring goals tomorrow.”
There has been a break of about ten days after October 16. Utilizing that break, the coach has also worked on the team’s playing style. Especially after the match against North East United, emphasis has been placed on maintaining possession of the ball, reducing passing errors and improving counter-attacks. The coach said that efforts are being made to increase the pace in all four phases of the game. The footballers are responding well in practice and his goal is to bring them out of their comfort zone.
