Adelaide United marquee star Dario Vidosic could make a shock return for the Reds’ derby clash with Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
Adelaide United marquee star Dario Vidosic could make a shock return for the Reds’ derby clash with Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
In what was expected to be a three week, possibly indefinite lay-off for Vidosic after being forced from the field with a back fracture following the 0-0 draw with the Newcastle Jets two weeks ago, the 24-year-old has recovered quicker than expected and is in line to play against the Victory.
The news comes as an added bonus for Adelaide coach Rini Coolen who is set to welcome back 2010-11 Hyundai A-League Golden Boot winner Sergio van Dijk from a calf injury.
The Dutch striker has not featured for the Reds since their 2-1 win over Gold Coast United a month ago.
Coolen said van Dijk was a certain starter while he would wait until after the final training session on Friday to determine what role Vidosic could play on Saturday night.
“It was too early last week unfortunately, but van Dijk got through the training sessions very well this week. He’s okay and will be in the starting eleven,” Coolen said.
“Dario we were very happy to have return to training on Thursday, quicker than what we expected.”
“We thought he would be out for another game and not able to come back until at least next week, but he did okay Thursday and there was no negative reaction.”
“We know he can be available and play part of the game, so if he’s okay after Friday’s training then he will definitely travel with us and be one of the 15 players tomorrow.”
After a demoralising 4-0 loss to the Central Coast Mariners that left Adelaide languishing at the foot of the table still with only two wins this season, a number of former Reds came out of the woodwork to criticise the team.
Ex-players Travis Dodd and Paul Reid along with past coach John Kosmina all took to the media to express their concerns with Coolen’s regime.
Coolen however was not distracted and is remaining focused on the task at hand as his side attempt to carry on their three-match winning streak against their rivals.
The Dutch coach said he preferred to only discuss and analyse the positives at the club this week.
“I don-t want to pay attention to that (media scrutiny). I don-t have time for that. I have to focus on my job as coach,” Coolen said.
“I prefer to spend my time working on doing better with my team and squad, getting some results and playing better football.”
“We’ve focused this last week on all the positive things and we believe in each other, the team, the club and our supporters.”
“Things have been going well since last week, so we are staying focused in a positive way and hopefully we will change the results from the last game and get some victories.”
“It’s got to start Saturday against Melbourne Victory … it’s a great opportunity.”
“The last three times we have beaten them and we have to keep on doing that.”
With Harry Kewell set to return for the heated clash and threatening to have an impact in his so far underachieving A-League career, Coolen denied he would pay extra attention to the Qantas Socceroo, suggesting the Reds had to be aware of all of the Victory’s arsenal of attacking power.
“We have to be aware of all their powerful strengths and transition players,” Coolen said.
“Not only Kewell but the likes of (Archie) Thompson, (Marco) Rojas – all those kind of players, who are very good in transition.”
