CHENNAI: Defending

champions Chennai City FC (CCFC) have roped in 19-year-old FC Basel striker Jan Muzangu as a replacement for the prolific Pedro Manzi, who left for Japanese Tier 2 club Albirex Niigata last week. Muzangu, who is part of the FC Basel reserves, is likely to reach Coimbatore very soon and start working with the team.

"We are definitely looking to strengthen our squad after the departure of Manzi. Basel's head of youth development

has been working with young players at CCFC's academy in Chennai. He knows our style of play and has regular conversations with CCFC coach Akbar (Nawas). So he knows what kind of striker will suit the team's style," a source close to the developments told TOI on Saturday.

CCFC had notched up a crucial away win against Gokulam Kerala last week and are fifth in the table with eight points from six games. Muzangu's arrival will boost CCFC as they will look to win a couple of matches and get among the top-3. While they begin their AFC Champions League campaign on January 14 against Al Riffa, their next I-league clash is against Indian Arrows at home on January 17.

Sandro out till January-end: CCFC midfielder Sandro Rodriguez is likely to remain out of action till January-end. The Spaniard was supposed to make a comeback in January but it was learnt that he is yet to make complete recovery from a cartilage injury in his right leg.