ISL 2018-19: Canadian striker Iain Hume expected to be fit only in December, says Pune City coach Miguel Portugal
Pune City coach Miguel Portugal has stated that their newly acquired Canadian striker Iain Hume will miss the first month and potentially more of the ISL season.
Mumbai: Star Canadian striker Iain Hume is expected to be fit only in December for the Indian Super League season five, said FC Pune City head coach Miguel Portugal on Monday.
Iain Hume will have to wait for a while before he is fit enough to play for his new club Pune City. Image courtesy: FC Pune City
In February, Hume suffered the injury that ruled him out of the rest of the previous season. He was contracted by FC Pune City in August this year. Hume, who is the highest goal scorer in the history of ISL, had previously plied his trade in the ISL with Kerala Blasters FC and ATK, scoring 28 goals in four seasons.
"I think in December it is possible that he (Iain Hume) can play. That is my opinion. Hume is now working very hard on fitness. I think by end of November or December, he might be okay," Portugal told reporters at the ISL Media Day.
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Pressed further on what does Hume bring to the team, the coach said, "I don't know now and we decide in December. Now it is impossible to decide". Last season, Pune City FC were ousted at the semi-final stage by Bengaluru FC.
Meanwhile, Uruguayan Emiliano Alfaro said the first target was to reach the semi-finals. "In Pune, we have a good team. Our target is to first reach the semi-finals. I'll promise that we will give our best, but I don't know whether we can do better than last year," the South American player said.
Pune's dynamic mid-fielder Adil Khan said the team was looking ahead to have a great season and put themselves in the final. Pune have also signed Robin Singh and according to Khan, the former is "desperate" to get into the first eleven as striker.
"He (Robin) is doing good and trying to get himself back on track. He is working hard. We had a chat and he is desperate to get in the team. But it is difficult with Alfaro and all the foreigners — we have a great attack, it is difficult, but not impossible," said Khan.
Khan also said the team was preparing well for the main tournament. "The team is shaping up well. We are still in pre-season and about to play a few matches in the coming days. So, hopefully, we will shape up in a good way," he added.
Pune start their campaign against Delhi Dynamos on 3 October in Delhi.
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