Three ways East Bengal FC can sustain themselves without Miguel Ferreira in crucial upcoming ISL matches

Miguel Ferreira is serving a suspension and East Bengal FC will miss out on his services

East Bengal FC suffered a major setback in their recent 3-3 draw against Bengaluru FC in the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) when their midfield maverick Miguel Ferreira was sent off. Despite the club appealing in their attempts to get the decision overturned, the All-India Football Federation (AIFF) opted to uphold the suspension.

As a result, the Brazilian midfielder will be forced to serve a two-match suspension in what is a vital period in East Bengal’s campaign. The Red & Gold Brigade have five more matches remaining in the ongoing ISL campaign and they know that only winning all those games will keep them strongly in contention off possibly clinching the ISL title at the end of the campaign.

Rather than withering in misery, all Oscar Bruzon can do is to look forwards and try to find solutions to the absence of Ferreira.

With East Bengal’s star Indian midfielder Naorem Mahesh Singh also out of action for the rest of the season with an injury, the suspension of Ferreira leaves a notable gap in their midfield.

With that being said, East Bengal do have options to go to when it comes to sustaining themselves and performing well without the presence of Miguel Ferreira.

Here, we look at the possible ways they can do in their next two ISL matches.

Crespo scored a pretty good goal in the last game against Bengaluru FC and his form has improved over the last few months.

He has two goals and one assist in the 2025-26 ISL for East Bengal, averaging 82.6% passing accuracy and 76% long ball success as well.

However, he’s only created six chances in five appearances and that needs to improve in the next few games. Crespo has to show proactiveness in wanting the ball in the opposition half and look to set up more chances with better, defence-splitting passes into the final third.

He’ll need to be the one who controls the midfield battle in Miguel’s absence and be a driving force in the central areas too. Saul has the chance to justify his role as the East Bengal captain if he’s able to fill in the void left by Ferreira, as a few bright performances in the big next games can definitely help extend his East Bengal career.

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