East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Who can Replace Suspended Souvik Chakraborty In Kolkata Derby?

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East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: Souvik Chakraborty was one of the key players who helped East Bengal win their Kalinga Super Cup title. However, in the final match of the tournament, he received two yellow cards, thus a red card in the 97th minute of the game.

That red card will carry forward to their next game, which is the Kolkata derby on February 3. Hence, coach Carles Cuadrat will have a tough job in his hands in deciding on a perfect player who can replace Souvik.

As the Kalinga Super Cup final reached the extra time, Souvik Chakraborty received his second yellow in the game. That red card will cost him in their first ISL 2023-24 match in the second leg against Mohun Bagan.

Looking back to the most recent East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan in Super Cup group stage, East Bengal won by a 1-3 margin comfortably. In that match, one of their best players was Souvik Chakraborty featuring in the heart of the midfield.

Going further back, Souvik Chakraborty was not included in the East Bengal squad of the Durand Cup final's Kolkata derby which they lost 0-1 to Mohun Bagan. It's not to say that his absence was the cause of their defeat.

However, his absence was felt and that could again be the case in tomorrow's Indian Super League derby. Nishu Kumar is undoubtedly a good player. However, he could still struggle to fill the shoes of absence Souvik.

Hugo Boumous has not been in his best form. However, he is still a dangerous player who can turn the game on its head for Mohun Bagan. Souvik did exceptionally well to hinder his movements and rendered him ineffective in that match.

There is a chance that Mariners coach Antonio Habas can field Sahal Abdul Samad instead of Boumous. However, Sahal is as much dangerous and the duties to bind his movements would fall upon Nishu Kumar in the absence of Souvik.