East Bengal coach Cuadrat says club strategising for Anwar Ali's return

East Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat on Thursday confirmed that Anwar Ali would not be available for their ISL opener against Bengaluru FC and said he's an "important player" and the club is actively exploring all possible avenues for his return.

A key figure for both India and East Bengal defence, Anwar was handed a four-month suspension by the AIFF's Players' Status Committee for wrongful contract termination with Mohun Bagan.

The red-and-gold brigade has now taken the case to the Appeals Committee, hoping for a stay order that would allow Anwar to feature in the upcoming matches.

"We know he is going to be an important player for the club, but we understand the situation that is not in our hands," Cuadrat said in a media interaction before leaving for Bengaluru.

"I have spoken to the player, and he's going to be very important for us. We have to understand that he's not going to play tomorrow, so we have to plan with the rest of the players. He's training very well."

East Beng