ISL 2015: Atletico de Kolkata's marquee player Helder Postiga on the verge of full fitness

Kolkata, Nov 6 (PTI) Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata are hopeful of getting the services of their marquee player and Portuguese World Cupper Helder Postiga for their last four ISL matches, which they will play at home. Having scored a splendid debut for the Red and Whites with a brace in the ISL opener, Postiga is down with a hamstring injury and was sent back home. ATK coach Antonio Habas said on Friday he’s joining the squad next week. [caption id=“attachment_2454192” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Helder Postiga has been out of action for ATK since the season opener. ISL[/caption] “He’s recovering well and is slated to join us on November 15,” Habas said. ATK are scheduled to play Chennaiyin FC on November 18. The defending champions are on a high after picking up a 4-1 win in Mumbai and Habas said they’re looking to continue their winning momentum. “We have to win against NorthEast at home tomorrow. Getting three points is very important,” Habas said. The head coach also hinted that Izumi Arata may be back in the team after recovering from an injury. “There’s a possibility that he would play tomorrow. But we will have to wait for another 10 days to get an update on Javier Lara.” On inclusion of Mohammed Rafique who scored the match-winning goal in their title triumph last year, Habas said: “He’s a good inclusion for us. I know he’s a good player. We’re a happy group.” NorthEast United FC coach Cesar Farias on the other hand hoped that their team can build on from their impressive show in Delhi. The bottom placed NEUFC struck through Simao Sabrosa in the second half to earn an away point and Farias said it might give the team the much-needed push. “We created more chances and dominated the game. We got our first point in an away match. We feel our slump has been arrested to an extent and hope to get full points tomorrow.” Showering praise on Simao, Farias said: “He’s an inspiring personality and someone who can inspire coaches, players, referees or anyone. It’s for us to make optimum use of his potential.” The former Venezuela coach was here for a FIFA friendly against Lionel Messi-led Argentina in 2011. “Four years have passed. Circumstances were entirely different then. It’s great to be part of the ISL now.” PTI