NorthEast United FC coach Robert Jarni has bemoaned the loss of Asamoah Gyan ahead of their league clash against Chennaiyin FC.

The Highlanders are going through a difficult period in the Indian Super League, losing four of their last five matches.

The Guwahati-based side will be playing as guests to Chennaiyin FC in Week 13 of the league but without their top marksman Asamoah Gyan.

The Ghana international has not featured for the side since suffering an injury in their 3-0 defeat against ATK last month.

"We lost our opportunity at the beginning of the championship (season) when we lost a couple of matches in the last seconds of the game. We have a very young and promising team. We lost Asamoah Gyan. Who is not here, we must do without him.”

“We are expecting a very tough game tomorrow (Thursday). Chennaiyin, with their new coach (Owen Coyle), looks very good but we also believe in our qualities. We must be in the first (top) four, which means that we have to win, and that's why we are here.”

“We lost a lot of quality players in previous seasons but we also believe in our young players to come good. This is also for them a great experience and with that experience, they will become much better," the Croat said.

NorthEast United FC has signed Andy Keogh and coach Jarni reveals that the former Irish international is a replacement of Asamoah Gyan.

"The new player (Andy Keogh) is here with us. We hope that he will play tomorrow," he said.