Rudan says Western United will eye reinforcements amid injury crisis

Western United’s squad depth is set for a big test in coming weeks following injuries to Brendan Hamill and Aaron Calver in Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Wellington Phoenix.

Hamill left the field early in the opening half with what appeared to be a knee injury while Calver departed in the second stanza nursing his foot following a challenge.

“It doesn’t look good,” Rudan told reporters after the match.

“Because for ‘BJ’ [Hamill] to come off, it’s not a good sign as it is – he’s pretty tough.

“So we will get it assessed and go through the due process tomorrow or the day after and we’ll go from there.

“But for him to come off, it’s not good.”

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A suspected lengthy lay-off for Hamill would be a cruel blow for the ex-Western Sydney Wanderers captain, who had played consecutive 90-minute matches for the first time this season prior to Saturday’s defeat.

Similarly, a spell on the sidelines for Calver would result in just three central defenders at Rudan’s disposal – Andrew Durante, Jonathan Aspropotamitis and Ersan Gulum.

“That’s probably the biggest loss for us, we lose two stoppers,” said Rudan.

“But again we’ve got to go through the due process to find out exactly how bad BJ is and Aaron Calver as well.”

United are already light on defensive personnel due to Josh Risdon’s foot injury, although Rudan did reserve praise for Dylan Pierias in deputising for the Caltex Socceroo at right wing-back, in what was the youngster’s maiden Hyundai A-League start.

However, the league newcomers’ defensive stocks will suffer yet another blow if Connor Chapman departs to the K-League.

The former Australia U-23 captain is reportedly set for a return to the K-League, where Chapman shone before joining United on a two-year deal in March.

“Something will come out from the club regarding Connor,” said Rudan.

“We’re always on the lookout whether it be January or next year.

“We need to look after the players as much as possible. We’ve got a big squad and a good enough squad to deal with any of the challenges that we face.”

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