Victory Head Coach, Grant Brebner, is set to welcome Adama Traore back into the squad ahead of this Saturday’s clash with Adelaide United at Marvel Stadium.
While Traore will bring security and leadership to Melbourne’s backline, Brebner will be without midfielder, Marco Rojas – whose time on the sidelines has been extended.
🗣 Brebs on the Derby loss, JP's arrival and an update on Marco. #Since05 #MVFC pic.twitter.com/WwYkXLDT9J
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 11, 2021
Defence
“Adama will come back into the squad, which will be a much-needed return for us,” said Brebner.
Traore has missed Victory’s last three matches due to a hamstring injury, which he picked up against the Newcastle Jets.
The left-back’s inclusion will strengthen Victory’s defence which will be without Ryan Shotton.
“Ryan has commenced running on the pitch,” confirmed the Head Coach.
“I don’t have a timeline to share but I have a timeline in my head where I hope he can return. I don’t want to put any pressure on him at the moment,” said Brebner.
The Head Coach is backing his players to be mentally ready to host Adelaide United, in what will be a fierce encounter at @MarvelStadiumau #MVFC #Since05
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) March 11, 2021
Midfield
Victory’s attacking midfield will be without the creative flair of Rojas, who has been ruled out for six to eight weeks with a fracture.
“Unfortunately Marco didn’t pull up as well as we would’ve liked after Wellington, so we sent him off for further scans which revealed that there is actually a crack in his fibula” Brebner said.
“Unfortunately for Marco, he received a tackle and fractured his nose,” said Brebner, referring to the incident against the Western Sydney Wanderers.
“He came back and now he has a fracture in his leg which is not great for Marco and not great for us.”
