FC Goa star Brandon Fernandes set to return against East Bengal after illness lay-off

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FC Goa are up against East Bengal in a crucial ISL 2023-24 match on Wednesday (March 6).

The Gaurs are at home against the Kolkata giants, and will be hoping to resurrect their shield hopes with a victory. After a stellar campaign in the first half of ISL, they have stuttered since the resumption of the league with a five-match winless run.

Ahead of their East Bengal tie, FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez is boosted with the return of Brandon Fernandes.

Brandon Fernandes has been a key performer for the Gaurs in this ISL season. The attacking midfielder crossed a century of appearances for the Gaurs this campaign and played a key part in their upsurge in the first half of the ISL. He also was part of the Indian team in the Asian Cup and played 18 minutes in the tournament, which came in the defeat against Uzbekistan.

But the 29-year-old suffered an illness after their 2-0 defeat against Northeast United and has since been sidelined for the last couple of weeks. His creative touch from the wing was missed in the last couple of matches as Goa were first beaten by Kerala Blasters, and then could only manage a stalemate against Mumbai City FC.

MyKhel understands the player has started training with the team and is in Manolo Marquez's plans against the Torch Bearers on Wednesday. It is yet to be confirmed whether Fernandes will start for them, but he is going to be in the squad.

The team from the West Coast is currently placed 5th in the ISL table and are six points off the top spot. But they have two matches in hand and winning those can put them right back in the mix for the ISL Shield quest.