Carlos Marchena to miss Kerala Blasters’ opening match in ISL 2015
Carlos Marchena is set to miss the opening match of Kerala Blasters in the ISL 2015 after the 36-year-old defender suffered a back injury last week in training . He immediately flew out to Spain to consult a specialist, leaving coach Peter Taylor with a big task at hand ahead of their opening match on October 5.
The extent of the injury was initially unknown and this fuelled rumours of a possible move for Brazilian legend Ronaldinho, who recently left Fluminense, as his replacement. But the Kerala Blasters manager has now confirmed that although Marchena will miss the opening game against NorthEast United FC, he will be back with the team.
“His injury is not that serious and he will be back with us. He will not be available for the first match. At this moment, I don’t know how many matches he will miss, but he will be back soon.”, said Taylor at the press conference.
The former Spanish international was signed as the marquee player earlier this summer after David James left the club. Marchena, having featured for clubs like Seville, Valencia and Villarreal in the La Liga, brings along with him a world of experience.
The 2010 World Cup winner was likely to partner Gurwinder Singh at the center of the defence, following the departure of Cedric Hengbart. His absence now will provide Taylor with a serious selection headache ahead of their home match against NorthEast United – a team they failed to beat last season. Marchena is likely to be replaced by former Newcastle United defender Peter Ramage, while Brazilian center back Bruno Perone is another potential option.
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