Chennaiyin FC striker John Stiven Mendoza is set to leave for Colombia on Wednesday night from Mumbai.
The 22-year-old former Colombian youth international injured his hamstring during a home win over FC Pune City and doctors, now, have ruled him out for the rest of the competition.
The ISL league leader will also miss the services of Indian defenders Abhiskek Das, Gouramangi Singh and Serbian Bojan Djordjic for the away tie against NorthEast United FC.
The three players have not travelled with the team to Guwahati, staying back in Mumbai for further treatment.
Elano recuperatingThe team’s marquee signing, Elano Blumer, is back in Brazil, recuperating from a calf injury and is expected to join the side in the first week of December.
“Elano is scheduled to return on December 2nd or 3rd. But he might extend his leave if Chennaiyin is able to qualify for the semifinals before that,” a team source said.
Nesta inMeanwhile, the team management has finalised a deal with former Italian international defender Alessandro Nesta.
The AC Milan legend was playing for MLS side Montreal Impact last term, and will now don the Chennaiyin jersey for the last few games of the season.
“Yes, we have signed Nesta. He will replace Mendoza. I don’t know yet when he will arrive as he now needs a visa,” said player-manager Marco Materazzi.
Chennaiyin has been looking for reinforcements in defence to reduce the workload of Mikael Silvestre and Materazzi.
