Melbourne Victory are likely to be without Jason Geria and could also lose Kosta Barbarouses for their match away to Western Sydney Wanderers FC in the Hyundai A-League on Friday night.
Fullback Geria produced an accomplished performance in the feisty 1-1 draw at home to Perth Glory on Saturday before he was forced off in injury time at AAMI Park.
Versatile club stalwart Leigh Broxham, nominally a midfielder, is able to fill in at the back in wide and central positions.
But specialist Scott Galloway, rested for the match against Perth, is the prime candidate to replace Geria at right-back.
“Jason’s struggling a bit … that tackle he copped is going to keep him out of the game,” coach Kevin Muscat told reporters on Wednesday.
“It’s unfortunate for him because he played very, very well.
“Broxie can fill in there, but Scotty’s coming along really well so he’s another option for us.
Wide attacker Kosta Barbarouses did not train on Wednesday and the New Zealand international could yet join Geria in being left behind when Victory travel to Parramatta.
“He’s struggling a little bit as well, he’s got a little bit of a complaint coming from his back,” Muscat said.
“We’re hopeful that he’ll be fine but again, no risks will be taken.”
The Victory players that do travel are expected to enjoy a considerable physical advantage at Pirtek Stadium.
The Wanderers host Melbourne City FC on Wednesday night in a game rescheduled from December, meaning Tony Popovic’s men will play two matches in the space of three days this week.
Despite having had a full week to recover from their last outing, Muscat is keen for his players to avoid becoming complacent.
“It won’t make any difference if we don’t turn up and prepare well and work hard and play at a real high tempo,” he said of Western Sydney’s unenviable fixture list.
“That’s been the message. We’ve got to get out there and focus.”
As for for their mini-slump of a loss and a draw from their last two matches, both of which came at home, the Victory coach is adamant his troops haven’t received the rewards their recent efforts warranted.
“We dominated a game of football on the weekend where there should only have been one winner,” he said.
“We’ve got to maintain that, improve on our performances and the results will come.”
