Calcutta: If Lebanese recruit Akram Moghrabi's impressive form during his first practice session at Mohun Bagan ground on Wednesday was a bit of an assurance, persistent doubts over Sony Norde's fitness is sure to give the think-tank sleepless nights ahead of Sunday's I-League Derby.

Moghrabi arrived in the wee hours of Wednesday and straightaway joined his teammates at training. He has been playing for Nejmeh SC in the Lebanese Premier League and played his last match "three weeks back".

He replaced Anusmana Kromah after Mohun Bagan decided to part ways with the Liberian forward following a string of poor outings. Mohun Bagan are languishing at sixth spot in the I-League standings.

It will be baptism by fire for Moghrabi and the Lebanese was ready for the challenge. "I am a professional footballer and know the circumstances. It's an important match and we had a good practice session today...

"I played for Churchill in the 2012-13 season and scored against East Bengal. I'm looking forward to Sunday. Let's see what happens," said Moghrabi.

"I have been practising regularly in Lebanon and so, it won't be a problem getting into match mode straightaway. I'm ready for the challenge," he said.

Norde looked uncomfortable at training, though the coach is keeping fingers crossed. The Bagan captain didn't practise with the rest of his teammates and instead chose to train on the sand pits concentrating mainly on fitness and strengthening his muscles.

"There are still three days left for the Derby. We are hopeful that Sony will be fit by then," said a senior Mohun Bagan official.