ISL 2020-21: Former ATK and FC Goa midfielder to replace Rafael Crivellaro at Chennaiyin FC

Former FC Goa and ATK attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzarote is set to replace the injured Rafael Crivellaro for the remainder of Chennaiyin FC’s Indian Super League (ISL) campaign. The 36-year-old will join the Marina Machans imminently but can only start training with the squad after the mandatory 14-day quarantine. This means that he should be available in time for the last six or seven games this season.

https://twitter.com/ChennaiyinFC/status/1348292908831494144

The Chennaiyin FC captain injured himself in the match against ATK Mohun Bagan and hasn’t featured since. The club then confirmed that he had a serious ligament injury in his left ankle for which he would miss at least two months of action. He has since flown back to Brazil for further treatment while the club started looking for options to replace him.

Lanzarote was an integral part of FC Goa in the 2017-18 season, scoring 13 goals and providing 6 assists in 19 games. He then moved on to ATK featuring 14 times for the Kolkata side in 2018-19 and contributing 5 goals and a couple of assists. Reports suggest that Chennaiyin have already agreed terms with the Spaniard and are expected to make the official announcement soon.

His experience and obvious quality should come in handy for a struggling Chennaiyin FC side who haven’t won any of their last four games and are 8th on the table. Head coach Csaba Laszlo will also be hoping that his familiarity with conditions in India will allow him to come into the side and make an impact straightaway.