A fitness test at training on Saturday will determine whether striker Matt Simon is fit to lead Central Coast’s attack in Monday’s Hyundai A-League blockbuster against Sydney.
Simon suffered a hip injury in the early minutes of Sunday’s scoreless draw against Wellington in New Zealand.
The striker played on but has been hampered at training throughout the week.
Coach Lawrie McKinna will run a close eye over Simon at training on Saturday before deciding on his starting side for Monday’s crucial match at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Simon has netted three goals so far this year, including a great solo effort in the team’s 3-0 whitewash against Gold Coast two weeks ago.
“He’s struggled a bit during the week so at the moment he’d be about 50-50 for Monday,” McKinna said.
“Matty is very important for us but you can’t go into a game like this unless your fully fit.”
“We’ll have a look at him at training on Saturday and make our minds up then.”
“If he gets through the session he’ll be a chance, if not he won’t play and we’ll go with someone else.”
McKinna said if Simon is ruled out Nik Mrdja or Adam Kwasnik would be considered for a starting berth up front with Dylan Macallister, who is still to find the back of the net this season, also in the frame.
After a consistent start to the season the Mariners know a victory against the Sky Blues could see them lead the table, depending on other results.
“We always seem to have exciting games against Sydney, I think this will be no different,” McKinna said.
