The recurrence of a hip flexor injury will see Queensland Roar youngster Tahj Minniecon join team-mates Danny Tiatto and Josh McCloughan on the sidelines for the second leg of the Hyundai A-League Minor Semi-Final at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
Minniecon made an initially successful return to the Queensland side after sustaining the injury last month, but aggravated it on Wednesday and failed to train Thursday morning.
Roar coach Frank Farina was quick to take action, ruling a line through Minniecon’s name for the match against Central Coast.
The blow comes on top of the forced omissions of McCloughan (groin) and Tiatto (suspension) and the chaotic preparation for the game facing Socceroo Craig Moore.
Moore starred in Australia’s 0-0 draw with Japan in Yokohama on Wednesday night and is scheduled to arrive at Brisbane airport on Friday morning.
Farina admitted it would be a big test for his side, but backed Moore to be at his best.
“I think that was pretty much the only flight that was available to come directly to Brisbane, so we knew he was going to get in on Friday morning,” Farina said.
“Look Craig knows his body, he has done it once before, albeit he played in Melbourne.”
“He’ll give us an indication of where he’s at and how he’s feeling, but I’m expecting the same Craig Moore that we’ve seen all season.”
Farina would not rule out his skipper playing the full match.
“We’ll see how the game goes, I’m sure Craig will want to be on the park for the full 90 minutes,” he said.
The Roar camp remains hopeful that Minniecon will be available for the Preliminary Final, should they make the most of their 2-0 win over the Mariners in the first leg last week.
“Hopefully if we get through, he should be okay for the next game, if there is a next game,” Farina said.
“It’s been on and off, yesterday he just tweaked it again, he’s a bit stiff and sore this morning so there’s no way he’ll be available.”
Farina nominated Isaka Cernak and Tommy Oar as possible replacements for the Gold Coast-bound livewire.
19-year-old Luke DeVere will partner Moore in the Roar’s defence, himself returning from a hamstring ailment.
Despite the multiple changes to the starting line-up, Farina was sure that his side would be settled and that complacency would not be an issue.
“Everyone has either played, or played in the system that we play, they know exactly what is required or expected.”
“It’s a good opportunity for the players coming in, like young Luke DeVere, he’s been out for a while with injury but he played a full game in the Youth League last week.”
