PUNE: Indian Super League club FC Pune City suffered twin setbacks before the upcoming ISL with their marquee player Eidur Gudjohnsen and midfielder Andre Bikey ruled out of the event due to injuries.
While Gudjohnsen has picked an ankle injury in his left leg, Bikey has injured his tendon that effectively ends their campaign with the club for the season.
FC Pune City CEO Gaurav Modwel said this was a big loss for the club.
"Eidur is the leader of the team and both him and Andre are excellent players and amazing human beings. It's a rude shock to me to learn about their injuries and their presence will be missed by everyone in the club. Eidur is very disappointed himself," he said.
"What was an exciting start to my new journey in India with FC Pune City, has come to an abrupt end unfortunately. Just a few days back, on my left ankle, what I thought was a niggle, turned out to be more than that," added Gudjohnsen.
Expressing his disappointment, Gudjohnsen wished the best to his team management and teammates.
"My heartfelt gratitude and best wishes go to the FC Pune City management, my team mates and coach Habas who put so much faith in me as their marquee player. The fans and people here who gave me a warm welcome, deserved more from me, but unfortunately my campaign with FC Pune City has to end for now. I look forward to being back in the near future and wish FC Pune City the best of luck for ISL 2016."
Head coach Antonio Habas said both the injury breakdowns are disappointing but the side has to cope.
"The injuries to Eidur and Andre both are unfortunate developments for us. Eidur had a very good pre-season training stint with us in Spain where he showed us his formidable skills. But then injuries are a part of every sport and football is a team game so we have to move on."