Steve Kean has welcomed three key players back into the squad, ahead of tomorrow night’s A-League visit to Sydney FC at Jubilee Stadium.
Defenders, Nick Ansell and Adama Traore, have both returned for selection as well as Callum McManaman, who has missed the last three games through injury.
A trio of big 'ins' for tomorrow night's match at Jubilee Stadium 👀
See the full squad, thanks to @MetriconHomes #MVFC #Since05
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) May 18, 2021
Traore and Ansell
“Adama has trained really well and he is someone that takes a lot of care in his personal fitness,” said Kean.
Traore was recently suspended for five matches and missed Victory’s trip to Macarthur FC due to illness.
“He’s worked very hard, and I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t last the 90, so hopefully he can see the game out and give us that experience.
“We also had a good result in getting Nick Ansell back from suspension,” said Kean.
McManaman
McManaman scored in his last outing for the club, a curling right-footed effort which secured a point against Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park.
“The one we’re not 100% sure on is Callum because he has been out for a little bit with his ankle but he trained well today,” Kean said.
“He will last a large portion of the game, but 90 minutes is probably a stretch.
“We do have Lleyton Brooks and Nishan Velupillay – who the fans haven’t seen yet – Nishan has done well in the last week or so of training.”
R1 + O 🎮
Brilliant from @cm_macca 👏 #MVCvCCM #MVFC pic.twitter.com/pqaBbYGJmu
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) May 2, 2021
Kruse
Robbie Kruse was substituted 24 minutes into Victory’s 3-1 defeat against Macarthur and Kean has provided an update on the extent of the injury.
“Robbie’s injury was a tendon where he’s hyperextended his ankle and it was nothing to do with any type of muscles injuries,” said Kean.
“There is some type of damage, but he will now have a CT scan to make sure there’s no further damage, which is a little bit more detailed.
“If we have him back for the Western and City game, that’s the outcome we’re hoping for.”
