Kolkata, Oct 18 (IANS) Two sons of the soil, Anas Edathodika and Jobby Justin will not be taking the field against Kerala Blasters in the opening game of the sixth edition of the Hero Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi on October 20.
The two new ATK signings will remain unavailable to be selected as the duo serve out their respective carried forward suspensions.
Anas, who was with Kerala Blasters last season, was handed a red card in a Hero Super Cup game against Indian Arrows, which means he will only remain suspended for the first game. However, coach Antonio Lopez Habas will miss the services of Jobby for the first three games. The striker has already served three of his six-match ban by the AIFF Disciplinary Committee.
Jobby will miss the away game to Blasters along with Hyderabad FC (October 25) at home and Chennaiyin FC (October 30) away and will be eligible for selection onwards the home game against Jamshedpur FC (November 9).
FC Goa, runners-up last season, will have to do without midfield stalwart Ahmed Jahouh for their campaign opener when they go against two-time champions Chennaiyin FC on October 23. The Moroccan was sent off in the first part of Extra Time with a double booking in the 2018-19 final when Bengaluru FC won the game 1-0, to lift their maiden Hero ISL title.
–IANS
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