Melbourne Victory Head Coach Grant Brebner has welcomed the prospect of having a full squad at his disposal for Saturday’s A-League clash against Adelaide United.
The club’s recent friendlies against Hume City and Altona Magic saw the return of Robbie Kruse and the debut of Ryan Shotton – both players will travel to South Australia.
With a number of players gaining match fitness, Brebner has provided an update ahead of Victory’s trip to Coopers Stadium.
Our next #ALeague match will be against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Saturday, January 23 #MVFC
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) January 14, 2021
Robbie Kruse
Kruse’s lengthy period out of action is nearing its end and the winger is keen to make his first A-League appearance under Brebner.
“Robbie played in both of those [friendlies] and he is building towards getting his fitness to a better level and he is looking good,” said Brebner.
“He will be in the squad. We’ve got a couple of days training and then we will finalise our starting eleven.”
Robbie Kruse put in a lively shift in his much-anticipated return to the football pitch last night! Great to see Robbie back out there 💙 #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/s83KHXP3Hr
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) January 14, 2021
Rudy Gestede
Victory’s frontman made his debut against Brisbane Roar in Victory’s opening game – replacing Ben Folami with 30 minutes to go.
“Rudy managed to score a couple of goals the other night which is great for him, great for his confidence and great for the team,” said Brebner.
“Like I said to him, I brought him here to score goals and that’s what he needs to do and he needs to demand that from people around him. We’re looking forward to seeing Rudy scoring a few more.”
.@RudyGestede, @cm_macca and @JLButterfield found the net, as we ran out 4-0 winners in a friendly with @AltonaMagicSC tonight.#MVFC pic.twitter.com/4n0yK6VlHH
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) January 19, 2021
Ryan Shotton
Shotton’s first A-League appearance is imminent after featuring in both friendlies – debuting against Hume City.
Brebner believes Shotton will strengthen Victory’s defence on and off the ball.
“Ryan is going to be a leader for many players and senior players included. Certainly Dylan [Ryan] can learn a lot from Shotton who has played at such a high level,” said Brebner.
.@RyanShotton88 made his first appearance in Victory colours during our friendly against @FCHumeCity last night 💪 #MVFC pic.twitter.com/tBrQbvH0KS
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) January 13, 2021
Marco Rojas
Having limped off 72 minutes into Victory’s opener against Brisbane, Marco Rojas has avoided any serious injury and is in contention for this weekend’s fixture.
“Marco has completed every test that we have asked him to do,” said Brebner.
“It was just a slight hamstring injury that he had in that game against Brisbane and if one thing, the break has been good for us to get some players back and some match fitness into the legs.”