East Bengal face massive blow, Naorem Mahesh Singh set to miss remainder of ISL 2025-26

Mahesh captained East Bengal to Super Cup Finals

East Bengal FC are back to winning ways after thrashing Mohammedan SC 7-0 in the mini Kolkata derby before getting the better of the Marina Machans 3-1 in Chennai in the Indian Super League.

However, the happiness was short-lived after Naorem Mahesh Singh left the pitch just seven minutes later after being subbed on for goalscorer Edmund Lalrindika. Mahesh, who has been an indispensable player in the East Bengal FC setup, has had an inconsistent season so far, after failing to find the back of the net in 4 games.

After picking up a knee injury, Naorem Mahesh Singh was subbed off in the 65th minute to make way for Souvik Chakrabarti. After assessing the medical reports and scans, East Bengal FC released an injury update stating that the Manipur-born midfielder is expected to miss the remainder of the ISL 2026 season.

In this article, we take a look at how Mahesh’s absence could affect East Bengal with the business end of the ISL season inching closer and find out players who can replace Mahesh.

Naorem Mahesh Singh has spent almost half a decade at East Bengal

Naorem Mahesh Singh made his first East Bengal appearance as a loanee from Kerala Blasters and spent almost nine months in the City of Joy during the 2021-22 season. From being a loanee to captaining East Bengal, the Manipur-born midfielder has come a long way.

He made a permanent move to East Bengal in August 2022 and propelled East Bengal to the Durand Cup Finals in 2023. His heroics helped East Bengal to win the Super Cup 2024 and to make it to the AFC Challenge League 2024-25 before leading his side to the semi-finals of the Durand Cup 2025

His extraordinary performance with the Red and Gold Brigade earned him a senior national team call-up, where we went on to win the SAFF Championship and Intercontinental Cup in 2023. Due to fitness concerns, he failed to make an impact in the ongoing season so far, providing just an assist in four games.

Can Bruzon find Mahesh’s replacement in midfield?

Mahesh’s absence in the midfield has forced Bruzon to field three foreign midfielders, in the form of Rashid, Saul Crespo and Miguel Figueira. Mahesh’s versatility and flexibility to play in various positions made him an asset for Bruzon, who will now rely on the veteran Souvik to fill in his boots.

His presence offered an attacking option for Bruzon in the midfield, and he was equally impressive from the flanks. Now it will be interesting to see if Oscar brings back Bipin in the left wing or will he continue with Miguel Ferreira, who has been brilliant so far.

No wonder Mahesh’s absence will bother East Bengal. After all, he has been the captain of the team and led his side to the Durand Cup semi-finals and Super Cup Finals. But football goes on, and at a time when East Bengal are back in the title race, it will be interesting to see how Bruzon fills Naorem Mahesh Singh’s void.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.