East Bengal sign Suvam Sen as replacement for Naveen Kumar

The custodian was a part of the Red & Golds in the last two seasons as well.

East Bengal's one of the second-choice goalkeepers, Naveen Kumar suffered a knee injury on 25th October during a training session. The club reported on 31st October that the custodian is ruled out for the rest of the season. Suvam Sen, a former East Bengal player, replaced him in the squad. Sen was registered prior to the Kolkata derby and will wear #25 for the Red & Golds.

What happened?

Naveen Kumar was one of East Bengal's three goalkeepers alongside Kamaljit Singh and Pawan Kumar. He came to the club from FC Goa on loan during the Durand Cup. During a training session on Tuesday, 25th October, Naveen suffered a devastating knee injury. The injury ended his season prematurely, without allowing him to make any start for the team.

The club informed about the development through a press release that stated, "Our goalkeeper Naveen Kumar is ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Suvam Sen, who represented the Red & Gold Brigade in the past two editions of the Hero Indian Super League, has replaced Naveen in the squad."

What's next?

In order to replace Naveen Kumar, East Bengal immediately roped in the services of Suvam Sen. Sen, now 32, had been a part of East Bengal in the previous two seasons. He was the second-choice keeper for the club last season and made four appearances in total for the side. It will be a good opportunity for the custodian to associate with the Kolkata giants once again and cement his position.

An off-form Kamaljit Singh may mean that East Bengal's second-choice goalkeeper will soon have to start a game. In this respect, the role of secondary keepers becomes paramount. Pawan Kumar, a former Jamshedpur FC player, will be keen to play the role of the second-choice keeper for his side. But, keeping in mind Suvam's brilliance, Stephen Constantine might want to field the 32-year-old in the upcoming matches once he gels with the current team.