Under-fire Kerala Blasters FC have completed the signing of Argentine winger Francisco Feuillassier Abalo in a bid to revive the club’s sagging fortunes in the ongoing edition of the Indian Super League.
With just one draw in seven matches so far, the Blasters are 13th in the 14-team table. Following the disastrous start, their Spanish head coach David Catala was sacked and Englishman Ashley Westwood being hired in his place. However, there was no immediate change in their fortunes, as Sporting Delhi beat Kerala Blasters 2-0 in Westwood’s first match as head coach.
The horrendous run has also prompted their fans group Manjappada (Yellow Army) to boycott the remaining home matches in Kochi, demanding a change in ownership of the club and the resignation of CEO Abhik Chatterjee and Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys.
Will Franchu play against Bengaluru FC on April 11?
Commonly known as Franchu, the 27-year-old has played in several European leagues, having come up through the youth systems of Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. Franchu began his development in Spain and was part of the youth setup at Real Madrid, where he featured for Real Madrid Castilla. During his time in Madrid, he played an active attacking role in Segunda División B.
He went on to build his senior career in Spain with clubs such as Rayo Vallecano, CF Fuenlabrada, SD Eibar and FC Cartagena, featuring across LaLiga SmartBank and other competitive divisions.
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His most recent stint was with Karmiotissa FC in Cyprus.
Primarily a winger, Franchu is capable of playing on both flanks and offers versatility across the attacking line. He reportedly has close control and ability to carry the ball into advanced areas.
Franchu has already linked up with the squad in Kochi. The Blasters will take on Bengaluru FC tomorrow at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.
Kerala Blasters squad updates
Interestingly, the Blasters squad update says that Franchu has been added to the squad, replacing German attacking midfielder Marlon Roos Trujillo.
As per reports, the Blasters have ‘de-registered’ Scottish forward Jai Quitongo, a little over a month after he was signed. He will undergo a shoulder surgery after sustaining an injury during the campaign.
Moroccan midfielder Karim Benarif has been roped in as a replacement and is available for selection.
Centre-forward Víctor Bertomeu is currently serving a three-match suspension, and will be out of the April 11 fixture, too.
Goalkeeper Sachin Suresh is currently recovering from a knee surgery, and will miss the remainder of the season.
The Blasters also parted ways with defender Oumar Bah after just three games into the season. They are also yet to explain the absence of talented winger Korou Singh from the squad.
