Manju said it was disappointing to miss a tournament like Nehru Cup.

'We hardly get a chance to play in big tournaments and that, too, as defending champions. It is a big disappointment for me to go out in the first match of the tournament,' he said.

Team manager Pradeep Chowdhury said Manju's absence is a big blow to the team.

'Manju will be out for six weeks with the hairline fracture. Worse, we won't be allowed a replacement,' he said.

The Mohun Bagan defender will also miss next month's IFA Shield and the Durand Cup and a couple of matches in the Calcutta Premier League