Apprehensions about Bhaichung Bhutia’s availability at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Sunday for the season’s first Kolkata derby may take the sheen away from the much-awaited Mohun Bagan-East Bengal clash. Bhutia, who called it one of the most important matches of his career in the light of his move to East Bengal after a long legal battle against Bagan, aggravated a hamstring injury at a practice session on Friday.

The 33-year-old didn’t practise at East Bengal’s ground on the match eve, but he wasn’t too far from the flashbulbs. “I am undergoing treatment now. Nobody wants to skip such an important match. I am trying my best to recover and play tomorrow,” Bhutia said.

Besides the question mark over Bhutia’s participation, the East Bengal camp is happy with the news of midfielder Alvito d’Cunha’s return. “Both Alvito and Rennedy Singh have recovered fully. Let’s see who starts,” said coach Subhash Bhowmick.

“Our substitute players are ready for the match if Bhaichung doesn’t get to play,” maintained Bhowmick. “Having said that, I am hopeful that he will eventually be fit to play by tomorrow morning,” the East Bengal coach said. The coach also put a part of the blame for Bhutia’s injury on the nature of the artificial turf laid out at the YBK, explaining that he had aggravated the hamstring problem during East Bengal’s match against JCT at the venue.

If Bhutia manages to pull through, the Jose Barreto-Bhutia battle may make for a mouthwatering clash. Having played together for the green-and-maroons for a long time, the two will take each other on.

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