Juan Ferrando does not want to remember the success of winning the Durand Cup a couple of weeks ago. Rather his anxiety came out on Ashique Kuruniyan's injury.

Mohun Bagan Super Giants (MBSG) will start their campaign against Punjab FC in their ISL opener at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on Saturday. 

Kuruniyan suffered from a severe knee injury while playing in the King's Cup with the senior national team. Ferrando said in the pre-match media conference, "Kuruniayan will have to undergo a knee operation. The doctors only will be able to say when he can be back on the pitch. But Kuruniyan was one of my key footballers. But now, I will have to make a substitute for Ashique."

Aniruddh Thapa will also miss Saturday’s match as he saw a red card in the Durand Cup final. Ferrando however commenting on Saturday's match, said, "The team has been participating in several matches within a short time in the AFC Cup, CFL and ISL. So despite the tiredness, the boys have to deliver their best. Punjab FC is a strong team. They had an impressive show last season in the I-league. So, the opening match is always tough in every competition."

Punjab FC coach Staikos Vergetis however revealed that his only advantage is that the team comprises most of last season's footballers and they seem to exhibit a perfect combination on the pitch on Saturday.