ISL 2019-20 | Vlatko Drobarov joins Kerala Blasters to replace injured Jairo Rodriguez
Kerala Blasters FC has signed Macedonian defender Vlatko Drobarov in place of the injured Brazilian defender Jairo Rodriguez. Drobarov who has played with Macedonian under 19 team, can operate as a defender as well as a defensive midfielder and has playing experience in several countries.
Kerala Blasters has signed former Macedonian under 19 defender Vlatko Drobarov as a replacement for the injured Brazilian Jairo Rodriguez. Jairo was injured in the Odisha game in Kochi in the early minutes. Kerala Blasters have also lost Dutch defender Gianni Zuiverloon to injury. Drobarov who was a without a club for a year last played for North Macedonian club FK Belasica.
The 27-year-old defender can also operate as a defensive midfielder and as a center-back on either side. He started his career with Macedonian club FK Skopje in the 2010-11 season before playing for Napredok Kicevo and Teteks Tetevo in his home country. In 2013 he moved to Mexican club Murcielagos FC with spells in Armenia, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia as well.
The centre back's major accomplishments at the club level include winning the Macedonian Cup with Teteks in the 2012-13 season and an Armenian Cup win with FC Banants Yerevan in the 2015-16 season. With Vlatko's addition, Kerala Blasters has a slight relief as they have already lost Sandesh Jhingan, Gianni Zuiverloon and Jairo Rodriguez to injuries this season causing a few problems.
Star midfielder Mario Arques is also injured which is one of the reasons why Eelco Schattorie's men are seventh in the table with just four points. It is unclear whether Vlatko starts for Kerala in the first eleven against Bengaluru FC on Saturday at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.