Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) will be without their influential attacking midfielder Greg Stewart for their upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) clash against FC Goa on Friday. The Scotsman is still recovering from a knee injury and is expected to return only for Bagan’s final match of the year against Punjab FC on December 26.
Stewart, a former Rangers player, has been a pivotal figure for Bagan this season. In eight matches, he has contributed significantly to the team’s attacking prowess with five assists and one goal.
A two-time ISL titleholder with Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC, Stewart’s creative flair has been instrumental in keeping the Mariners at the top of the league table.
However, his fitness has been a concern over the past two months. His last start came against Hyderabad FC on October 30, and he has since played only two brief cameos. Remarkably, even in limited time, he assisted the winning goal in a crucial match against Chennaiyin FC last month.
Sources indicate that Stewart has not been training fully with the team but has traveled with the squad to Goa as part of his rehabilitation process. Without him, Dimitrios Petratos is expected to continue in the No. 10 role, supporting striker Jamie Maclaren.
Although Petratos has not scored in the last six games, his playmaking ability has been vital. He leads the league in creating chances, having set up 30 opportunities for his teammates this season. Bagan will rely on his vision and creativity to unsettle Goa’s defense.
Mohun Bagan, currently atop the standings with 26 points from 11 matches, faces a tough challenge against Manolo Marquez’s Goa side at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda. Goa, riding high on back-to-back home victories, will aim to continue their winning streak.
Despite the absence of Stewart, MBSG will be keen to extend their lead at the top of the table and maintain their dominant form. For Goa, Friday’s game represents an opportunity to test their mettle against the league leaders and strengthen their position in the playoff race.
