Mohun Bagan Super Giant received a significant boost with the return of midfielder Lalengmawia ‘Apuia’ Ralte for its Durand Cup match against Diamond Harbour FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on Saturday.
Apuia, who was suspended after receiving a red card in the team’s opening match against Mohammedan SC, has completed his one-match ban. The timing of the decision, however, has drawn criticism from Mohun Bagan coach Jose Molina.
“Apuia picked up the card a week ago and they informed us about his availability just a day prior to the match. It affects our plans. I can’t wrap my head around it,” Molina said in a pre-match press conference ahead of the DHFC match.
While the team welcomes back Apuia, it will be without centre-back Dippendu Biswas, who is serving a ban for accumulating two yellow cards in as many matches.
Molina also confirmed that the team’s newly joined foreign players—including Dimitri Petratos, Jamie McLaren, and Alberto Rodriguez—will not be available for the match.
He stated that while the players are physically ready, he does not want to rush them and risk potential injuries. “They are all ready to play 90 minutes tomorrow. If we ask them to play, they will play but the question is in what level. We don’t want to force them and risk injuries,” he explained.