East Bengal’s newly recruited Serbian defender Aleksander Pantic can make his debut in Indian football wearing the Red-and-Gold jersey in the ISL match against Jamshedpur FC on Thursday at Jamshedpur. The team's coach Carles Cuadrat revealed that Pantic is available for the match although a final decision on his playing will be decided on Thursday.

Pantic divulged he had known Cuadrat for a long time when he used to play for AEL Limassol in Cyprus. The 31-year-old defender commented, "I spoke a lot with the coach and with the friends who have played here. It was an easy decision for me to join the club." 

Pantic also said it was Kyriakou who helped him to join East Bengal, informing him about the club's century-old legacy and reputation. 

He said, "It is my first time in India. I spoke with my friend Charalambos Kyriakou who played here and I know my club is one of the biggest in India. The atmosphere, the stadium, and the support are big. I don't know a lot but I know some things." Pantic had a full-fledged training session at Jamshedpur on Wednesday,

Kyriakou and Pantic both played together for AEL Limassol in 2021. Kyriakou is a Cyprus international who participated in 24 ISL matches last season.

However, it is learned that Saul Crespo who has been ruled out of the pitch due to injury has expressed satisfaction over his recovery and he has reportedly been informed he would likely be back soon.