Marco Kurz says fit-again German defender Tim Hoogland is in the running to make his debut in Saturday’s clash with Adelaide United after a late inclusion into the Melbourne Victory squad.
The 34-year-old was signed from VfL Bochum in August and missed the first six rounds of the new Hyundai A-League season after suffering a quad injury on the eve of Round 1’s Melbourne Derby.
Kurz said Hoogland was no chance of starting the encounter against Adelaide but was nonetheless pleased with the return of a key defensive asset.
“He is the leader, it is always good for the team to have him around and I’m happy to have him back as well,” he told reporters on Friday.
“It makes sense to bring him to Adelaide and we will see how the game runs.”
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Kurz confirmed Hoogland would be utilised as a central defender for Victory this season despite the ex-Bundesliga stalwart’s capacity to play fullback or in central midfield.
The former Adelaide boss also revealed Andrew Nabbout was in the running to start against the Reds having recovered from his hamstring injury.
He did not want to risk the Australian international forward in last Sunday’s visit to Sydney FC given the risk of re-injury but admits Nabbout ‘looks very confident now’.
“Maybe he is an option, I’m not sure at the moment,” he said.
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“The decision is not done but it’s good to have him back because he’s a really important player for us.”
Saturday evening’s return to the City of Churches will be an emotional one for the ex-Reds man, who said Adelaide still holds a special place in his heart.
“For me it’s a special game, but not the game that’s special, more the place, more Adelaide.
“I think everybody understands it, it’s human. It was the first step out of Europe for me. We felt very comfortable there, we had a fantastic time.
“Now I’m really proud to be coach for the Victory. I’ve changed the colour, tomorrow I am the Blue and White one.”
