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Postiga to be with us from November 15: ATK's Habas

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IANS Kolkata

Defending Indian Super League (ISL) champions Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) coach Antonio Lopez Habas on Friday said their marquee player Helder Postiga Awill join the team on November 15 and be part of the last four matches which they will play at their own backyard.

Postiga suffered a hamstring injury in the opener against Chennaiyin FC where he scored a brace to help ATK win 3-2.

"He (Postiga) is recovering very well and he will join us on November 15," Habas told reporters here.

In their last game, ATK hammered Mumbai City FC 4-1 and Habas believes they can continue with the momentum and grab all three points against NorthEast United at the Salt Lake stadium on Saturday.

 

"We will have to win tomorrow. Grabbing all three points is very important," he said.

ATK have also roped in Mohammed Rafique in place of an injured Lalchhawnkima and speaking about the newest addition to the squad, Habas said:" He is a very good player. I hope it will turn out to be a great addition."

Habas added that there was a possibility that Arata Izumi might play on Saturday but said Spanish midfielder Javi Lara needs more time to recover.

"Possibility of (Izumi) playing tomorrow. But Javi Lara needs time."

NorthEast United FC coach Cesar Farias believes they need to adapt quickly to the Salt Lake stadium turf if they need to produce a favourable result.

"Home turf, obviously the home team has the advantage but if it is in a bad condition then both teams will suffer. We need to adapt as quickly as possible," he said.

Speaking on his Portuguese forward Simao Sambrosa, Farias said: "He is an inspiring personality, with a special gift. He is someone who can inspire coaches, players, referees or anyone. Our job is to utilise him to the fullest."

The former Venezuela coach was here for a FIFA friendly against Argentina in 2011 when the talismanic Lionel Messi skippered the ablue and white' brigade.

"Four years have passed. Life gives you different circumstances. It is great to be part of the ISL now. There is pressure in the league hope we will do well tomorrow (Saturday)," he added.

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First Published: Nov 06 2015 | 11:56 PM IST

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