Kerala Blasters hit by injuries - Why squad depth is important?

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On the weekend, Kerala Blasters issued an official statement confirming the injury status of their striker, Kwame Peprah. Having overcome a demanding start with the club, Peprah played a crucial role in Vukomanovic's line-up. The confirmation of his injury marks a notable concern for the Blasters as they navigate their season.

Staff

I. Vukomanovic Age: 46

Kerala Blasters FC

All seasons -

Games

57

Won

26

Draw

10

Lost

21

Despite their perch at the summit of the table, Kerala Blasters confront a cascade of injuries. The squad suffered setbacks with the pre-season losses of Jaushua Sotirio and Marko Leskovic. The absence of Adrian Luna, a linchpin in Coach Ivan Vukomanovic's tactical framework, presented a major setback. The blows continued with the injuries to summer acquisition Aibanbha Dohling and national team midfielder Jeakson Singh, dealing impactful setbacks to the southern side. Complicating matters further, the sidelining of midfielder Freddy Lallawmawma, who had been solidifying his role in the starting XI, amplifies the team's injury challenges.

In the void left by Aiban's absence, Naocha Singh, on loan from Mumbai City, emerged as a pivotal contributor in the defence. Concomitantly, Vibin Mohanan, Danish Farooq, Aimen, and Azhar seamlessly filled the gaps in the midfield. Assuming the role of Peprah's replacement, the return of Justine stands as a noteworthy opportunity for him to showcase his abilities in the top tier.

A significant strength for the Blasters has been their ability to seamlessly integrate capable replacements, ensuring that the team consistently met expectations. Vukomanovic's adept management ensured that the team consistently met the expected standards, showcasing resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Kerala Blasters are set to recommence their league campaign on February 2, facing Odisha FC in an away fixture.