Mohun Bagan eager for win against Pailan Arrows

Kalyani: Relegation-wary Mohun Bagan may miss the services of ace striker Odafa Okolie in their round 21 I-League fixture against Pailan Arrows here on Sunday.

The Nigerian is recovering from a bout of fever and defender Ibor Khongjee, too, is down with the same ailment. The team will also miss defender Nirmal Chhetri who is suspended with four bookings. "It is a long league and there is always a possibility of missing some players. It is a team game and we will put our best for a win," Mohun Bagan coach Karim Bencherifa said. Despite the shortcomings, the Moroccan was confident they would come up from the relegation zone. "We are under pressure to perform being at the bottom of the standings. But I am confident the team will be able to save relegation," he said of the team lying on the bottom of the table with six points from 15 matches. Arrows, who are currently 10th in the league standings with 19 points from as many matches, however are keen to give Mohun Bagan a good fight. "Mohun Bagan are a big-budget side and has a selection of good players. They are currently in the relegation zone not because of their on-field form but for a different reason. So we will have to play really well to get a good result," the Arrows` Australian coach Arthur Papas said. Arrows, too, have growing list of injuries from key players like Pranoy Halder, Holicharan Narzary and Tirthankar Sarkar, who remained doubtful for the match. "I will have a look at them in the morning of the match before deciding on the playing eleven," Papas said. But, defender Dipak Devrani will make a comeback after a prolonged injury absence and this would give Papas an extra option in building the team. PTI