February 17, 2026 03:20 pm (IST)
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Zico's boys to take on Mumbai City FC tomorrow
Mumbai, Oct 24 (IBNS): Former Premier League star Nicolas Anelka is close to making his debut for Mumbai City FC in the second edition of Hero Indian Super League and will "probably" feature in the next clash against FC Goa in Mumbai on Sunday.
Anelka has restricted himself to the manager’s role for Mumbai City this season but is close to recovering from his injury that will enable him to shoulder playing responsibilities as well.
“Very, very soon,” Mumbai City assistant coach Oscar Bruzon told reporters during the pre-match media briefing when asked how soon the marquee player will take the field. Asked specifically if the former Chelsea and Arsenal star would feature against FC Goa on Sunday, Bruzon said, “Probably. There is a chance.”
Mumbai City registered their first win against Delhi Dynamos in the last game and are now bracing to continue with their winning ways.
“We need to keep the momentum going,” said Bruzon.
“This is a very tough game. We are playing with the leaders who have done good work in the first few games. We played well against Delhi (Dynamos) who were leaders, and now against the new leaders, we have to show the same attitude. I will maintain that our team is the strongest in the ISL and need to be back on track,” said Bruzon.
FC Goa are sitting at the top of the ISL with 10 points and chief coach Zico is pleased with his team’s performance.
“I feel satisfied to know we are doing well. At this stage last year we had probably three or four points but now we are doing well. We want to carry on with this,” said Zico.
Zico’s boys have bounced back in two successive matches and appear to have left behind the 0-4 hammering at the hands of Chennaiyin FC. In their last two matches, they have fallen behind only to recover against NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters.
“I always tell my players; it’s better that you do not concede goals, but even if you concede a goal, we must have the strength to come back. In the last two games, we have made strong comebacks,” said Zico.
The Brazil legend admitted that Mumbai City’s challenge will come from Sony Norde and Sunil Chhetri, both of who combined in the last match to score two goals against Delhi Dynamos.
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