Mumbai City captain Diego Forlan, who was influential in his team’s first two victories, sat out of the last clash against NorthEast United FC and has not made the trip to Kerala. “Diego hasn’t travelled with the team. He is working hard on his recovery with our medical staff and we hope that we can have him back fully fit at the earliest,” said Mumbai City coach Alexandre Guimaraes.

Kerala Blasters have worries of their own. Cedric Hengbart, who captained the side in the last game but limped out midway through injury, has a battle on his hand to recover and declare himself fit for the crucial clash against Mumbai City. “I don’t know to be honest,” Kerala Blasters coach Steve Coppell said when asked whether he can count on Hengbart’s services for Friday’s clash. Kerala Blasters have just a point from their first three matches and is the only team in the league to have not scored as yet. Mumbai City FC have made an encouraging start to their league campaign this season.