The Covid-19 outbreak in ISL VIII forced the organisers to postpone another game on Monday. This was the fourth tie to be postponed in the last 10 days. It could be five on Tuesday as the match between Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC looks doubtful.

However, Wednesday’s game between FC Goa and SC East Bengal looks to be on schedule as both the teams practised on Monday. SC East Bengal, under new head coach Mario Rivera, had a training session for the first time since their last match against Jamshedpur FC on January 11 while FC Goa had practised on Sunday too. ATK Mohun Bagan are yet to return to training and could press the restart button in a day or two.

Monday’s game was postponed since Jamshedpur FC could not field a team due to Covid-19 cases. The ISL said it would reschedule the match to a later date.

“Hero Indian Super League (ISL) announces the postponement of Match No. 63 between Hyderabad FC and Jamshedpur FC scheduled to be played today, Monday, January 17, 2022, at Athletic Stadium, Bambolim,” the ISL said in a statement.

“The decision has been taken in consultation with the League’s medical team taking into account the inability of Jamshedpur FC to field a team. The League will look to rearrange the fixture to a later date.” According to the ISL rules at least 15 should be available per team.

Coach’s message

SC East Bengal coach Rivera said it was tough on the players to be locked in their respective rooms. “It was tough few days for us. We were not being able to practice and do things we would have wanted to. Now that we are back on the training field, we will work hard. We will give our best and try to give the fans their first win of this ISL,” Rivera said in a video shared by SC East Bengal. SC East Bengal are winless after 11 ties.

Mumbai in Group B

Reigning ISL champions Mumbai City FC are placed in Group B of the 2022 AFC Champions League group stage at the official draw that took place in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

Mumbai City are clubbed with Al Jazira of the UAE, Saudi Arabia’s Al- Shabab and Air Force Club of Iraq.