KOLKATA: A week before the I-League derby against Mohun Bagan, East Bengal suddenly find themselves in an injury conundrum over key striker Enrique Esqueda Enrique didn’t return to action after half-time during Saturday’s 3-1 win over Gokulam Kerala FC, which ended East Bengal’s three-match losing run in the competition. While East Bengal coach Alejandro Menendez Garcia informed after the game that the Mexican striker was wounded, the injury was later found to be related to a chest pain, leading to apprehension that he may have fractured a rib.Enrique is expected to undergo more tests to ascertain the severity of injury.“We are yet to know the full extent of his injury. Recovery depends on how the player reacts to the normal healing process. This is why we are yet to arrive at any decision as far as Enrique’s availability for Sunday’s derby is concerned,” said East Bengal official Shanti Ranjan Dasgupta, who is also an orthopedic surgeon.A pronounced rib fracture takes about four to six weeks to heal.While the team management is tight-lipped over Enrique, speculation is rife that the 30-year-old striker may be released if he fails to recover in time. The former Mexican international is learnt to be carrying a knee injury as well.Alejandro, along with striker Jobby Justin, left for Bengaluru soon after Sunday’s training session. The Spanish coach is scheduled to meet key officials of East Bengal’s investor Quess Corp in Bengaluru, and their discussions could revolve around Enrique’s possible replacement and other reinforcements.East Bengal have already decided to part ways with Mahmoud Al Amna owing to the Syrian playmaker’s back injury, which forced him to miss all six matches so far in the I-League. Enrique’s injury has further compounded Alejandro’s preparation for the high-voltage clash against Bagan.