I-LEAGUE Media Team

MARGAO: Salgaocar Football Club are grappling with injury crisis ahead of the Hero I-League clash against Royal Wahingdoh at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Friday, January 23.

Salgaocar appeared a pale shadow of their dominating self against Pune FC in the opener. They eventually managed to get a point but coach Derrick Pereira is worried at the rising injury list that has appeared to hold his team back.

“Yes, the injuries are a concern. We have to find a way to battle the crisis,” said the Salgaocar coach.

Salgaocar’s injury list just got longer with news that Thangjam Singh, who suffered an abdominal strain in the last encounter is unlikely to be fit in time. The others  injured include striker Darryl Duffy, Dawson Fernandes, Karanjit Singh and Umesh Harijan.

“I was not entirely happy with the performance against Pune FC but given the circumstances, I think we did well to secure a point. We have to strengthen ourselves going forward,” said Derrick, who was all praise for Royal Wahingdoh’s efforts this season.

Royal Wahingdoh gave a good account of themselves this season, doing well in the Hero Federation Cup, although they could not qualify for the semifinals. Santosh Kashyap’s side, despite having a player sent off, battled against East Bengal and lost by a solitary goal scored in the last minute of added time.

Royal Wahingdoh started their Hero I-League campaign by scoring a crucial victory against archrivals Shillong Lajong FC in the opening game.

“I was confident of getting a good result as I told the boys at half time. I felt this was our match as we dominated. The boys put in excellent effort and executed the plan to the detail,” said Kashyap.

His next assignment, though, will not be easy in Goa and Kashyap admitted as much.

“Teams coached by Derrick are always hard to beat. They are always very compact in defence. We will have to do well to get the better of them here in Goa,” said Kashyap.

Despite only making their I-League debut this season, Royal Wahingdoh have some experienced and talented players. Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Densill Theobald has played for Dempo Sports Club in the past and has represented his country at the World Cup.

He will have an important role to play, although the talent of Jackichand Singh and Seityasen cannot be ignored by rival teams.