Kerala Blasters FC head coach Vukomanovic offers update on Diamantakos, Luna’s fitness

Kerala Blasters FC disclosed that midfielder Adrian Luna could likely to make an appearance in their upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) match against Hyderabad FC, while confirming that forward Dimitrios Diamantakos will be sidelined for the game.

The Blasters are set to face Hyderabad on the road in their final league fixture this Friday. With a string of winless outings in their past five matches, Kerala Blasters FC are eager to conclude the league stage on a positive note.

Diamantakos was last seen on the pitch during the team's home loss against East Bengal FC, where he was substituted off at half-time due to injury. He did not travel with the squad to Guwahati for their subsequent match against NorthEast United FC, along with Luna and midfielder Fedor Cernych.

Cernych, who joined the squad during the January transfer window, also had to be replaced in the second half during the East Bengal FC game after picking up an injury.

Diamantakos has been a pivotal player for the club throughout the ongoing season, having scored 13 goals, the highest tally by any player in the league. Vukomanovic mentioned that Diamantakos has yet to resume training with the team and hopes to see him return in the following week despite doubts surrounding his fitness.

“Right now, he's with the medical staff. Currently he's not training with the team fully. So we'll see now. He will not be going to Hyderabad with the team but we'll see when we come back, what will be his condition, when and how he will continue with the team. Seeing the fact that later we continue with the playoffs, it can be doubtful (to have him back) but we hope that he'll be okay later to join the team during the next week,” Vukomanovic stated in the pre-match press conference.

“So some of those players we were missing the last period of 10 days, when we had these three games with two difficult trips to Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United FC, we were without a couple of key players again. And there is a big question mark if they will be available for the playoffs,” he added.

Luna, who has been sidelined since December due to a knee injury requiring surgery, rejoined the team in March after his recovery. Despite his extended absence, the Uruguayan midfielder has contributed significantly, scoring the second-highest number of goals for the club after Diamantakos. His presence played a crucial role in Kerala Blasters FC's success in the initial stages of the season.

While Vukomanovic indicated that Luna is in contention to feature against Hyderabad FC, he expressed caution about rushing his return. Luna's potential inclusion in the upcoming match also raises concerns due to the risk of accumulating another yellow card. With three yellow cards already to his name this season, another booking on Friday could result in him missing their crucial one-legged knockout clash in the playoffs.

“There is a possibility he will travel with us (to Hyderabad) to get some playing minutes but it's still not certain. Hopefully, he will be ready for the playoffs. Also the point is that Luna is sitting on the three yellow cards, so we have to take it into consideration. Is it clever enough or risky enough? Maybe he's still not 100% or with three yellow cards (it might be risky to play him),” the Kerala Blasters FC head coach said.

Here's the full pre-match press conference: