Guwahati: Indian Super League Guwahati franchise NorthEast United FC (NUFC) is contemplating relieving midfielder Adilson Goiano on health grounds as the Brazilian has been finding it difficult to adapt to the weather and food here.

The 29-year-old figured in the Highlanders' start list in four matches of the current ISL and was rested in the matches against Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC because of health issues pertaining to "food poisoning".

Though the team coach refused to talk about anyone apart from the 18 in the start list during the post-match conference here on Wednesday, a source in the John Abraham-owned franchise said Adilson would be relieved during the January transfer window of the league.

"He has not been able to adapt to the Indian climate and food. That's why he has been suffering from food poisoning and related health issues keeping him unfit half the time ever since he landed in India. It's natural. It happens to some people. More importantly, he is facing a language problem because he doesn't speak English and, thus, can't even communicate properly about the problems he has been facing. So, we should relieve him keeping in view his career which can be ruined if he continues to suffer like this. But we will miss him," a club official told The Telegraph, wishing anonymity.

Pointing out that the climate in Brazil, which is also tropical, is akin to India, the club official said: "It is indeed similar, but he is somehow not comfortable with the conditions in our country."

Apart from Adilson, the squad has two more Brazilians in striker Danilo Lopes and midfielder Marcinho.

If relieved, Adilson will be the second player to be replaced in the squad after injured goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh was replaced with Ishan Debnath.