Bhutia ruled out of Federation Cup final

Mohun Bagan skipper and star striker Bhaichung Bhutia was on Friday ruled out for 15-20 days due to knee and ankle injury dealing a serious blow to the green-and-maroons bid to add to their 12 Federation Cup titles.

Mohun Bagan face Dempo in the final of the 30th Federation Cup on Sunday.

The India captain, with his knees heavily padded, was stretchered off the field in the first session of extratime against East Bengal in the second semi-final, raising doubts over his availability. After the game, Bhaichung was taken to a hospital and he underwent an MRI scan to evaluate the extent of the damage.

"It's a huge setback for us. Bhaichung has been ruled outfor 15-20 days. In fact, it's a double blow as Bhaichung has hurt his knee and ankle," Mohun Bagan general secretary Anjan Mitra told PTI.

Last night's first semi-final saw the clash of heads between Dempo striker Ranty Martins and Churchill Brothers midfielder Ogba Kalu. The collision left both unconscious and were rushed to hospital.

While Ranty was discharged from the hospital, Ogba was kept in ICCU and is under observation.

The Nigerian will be discharged tomorrow and he will return to Goa with the team manager. His Churchill Brothers teammates and coach Zoran Djordjevic left this afternoon.