ISL 2017: ATK star Jayesh Rane likely to return from injury in two weeks

What's the story?

ISL Season 3 champions ATK begin their season on a sour note, with injuries piling up for the side. One of the men on the treatment table is winger Jayesh Rane, who picked up a knock earlier this week.

While initially he was expected to be out for a long period, sources close the team have told Sportskeeda that the concerned injury was a recurring one that came up again in training on Tuesday and Rane is likely to return in two weeks' time.

In case you didn't know...

Rane, who has featured for Abhishek Bachchan-owned Chennaiyin FC for the last three seasons, was part of the I-League outfit Aizawl FC from the north-eastern state of Mizoram.

He was a crucial part of the title-winning outfit along with his close friend Ashutosh Mehta, who has also been signed by ATK this season.

The heart of the matter

Mehta too is also nursing an injury and he is expected to back on the field in about three weeks.

ATK have been dealt with major setbacks as their marquee player Robbie Keane and foreign signing Carl Baker are also injured and ruled out for the first three games.

What's next?

Last season's champions begin their title defence under English coach Teddy Sheringham against the Kerala Blasters at Kochi on Friday in the season opener.

It would be interesting to see how ATK cope with these injuries to their crucial players.

Author's take

Jayesh Rane has been touted as one of the rising stars of Indian football and his performances with Aizawl FC certainly were a testament to his potential.

The recurring injury news is a concern and we hope he can bounce back soon and return to action with renewed fervour.