India captain Bhaichung Bhutia is expected to make a comeback when a struggling East Bengal take on another lowly-placed outfit Mumbai FC in a battle for survival in I-League round 21 tie at Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata tomorrow.
East Bengal coach Philippe de Ridder today named the inspirational striker in the 18-member squad, even as the Belgian was tightlipped about Bhutia's availibility in the first XI.
The Sikkimese sniper last played against Mahindra United in a I-League match on March 13 after which he pulled a hamstring muscle.
After conducting an MRI, it was found that the Indian skipper would be sidelined for next 3-4 weeks and later he started training under fitness and nutrition expert Monica Ahluwalia who had earlier worked with Australian club, Sydney FC.
Sanju Pradhan, the other striker of East Bengal, had also sustained a small injury a couple of days before.
But in all probability he will be fit to take the field tomorrow, a team official said.
Tomorrow's match is very important for both the teams as a victory will take them out of the shadow of playing in the second division of the I-league next season.
Out of the 14 teams, former champions East Bengal are now occupying the eleventh spot with 21 points from 19 matches.
Mumbai FC are a step behind them though they have also collected 21 points, but after playing more matches.
Next to Mumbai FC are Lajong FC with 21 points from 20 games, while Sporting Club de Goa are at the bottom with 17 points after 20th round play.
In their last outing, Mumbai FC drew with their city mate Mahindra United, while East Bengal conceded a 0-1 defeat inspite of dominating the match for most of the tie.
Though East Bengal forced a 3-1 victory in their last Calcutta Football League match against Kalighat, but of late they are displaying very poor show in the I-League.
Out of the last six matches, they lost five and managed to draw only one game.
With a spectre of relegation looming large, East Bengal will have to go all out tomorrow.
Coach Rider said that the red and yellow brigade have no other alternative but to get three points from this match.
Rider said that in the last match against Dempo, his boys played well but failed to use the opportunities which came their way.
For the Mumbai team, it would be a do or die fight.
"A defeat tomorrow will certainly make our position worse," coach Khalid Jamil said while hinting that his team would adopt strategies according to the situation.
