Sporting Clube De Goa's aspirations to clinch their maiden National Football League title suffered a blow after their in-form players Edeh Chidi and Joseph Pereira raced against time to be fit for Friday's match against Vasco.
The two players suffered ankle injuries during the match against Tollygunge and are doubtful starters against Vasco.
"It is a deliberate attempt to injure our key players so as to keep the Goan teams out of the title," Sporting Clube president Peter Vaz said on Thursday.
"The injuries to Chidi and Joseph Pereira are a major concern as both are doubtful starters. The return of Medio Adebayo Adwusi and defender Vincent Peres will add solidity to the team, who need to win this crucial match to be in stay for the title along with East Bengal and Dempo", he said.
Vaz, however, made it clear that his team would go all out to win tomorrow's match.
"Vasco's confidence has been raised after their win against Fransa Pax and they will be going all out to win their remaining matches to keep their hopes alive. Our boys are prepared for it and will go all out for a win," Vaz said.
Sporting at 39 points from 19 matches are on par with East Bengal, and are placed on top of the league table for having scored more number of goals than East Bengal.
Dempo are a close third with 38 points from 18 matches.