Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe has revealed reigning Johnny Warren Medalist Diego Castro could be on the bench against Sydney FC on Saturday.
Castro hasn’t played in Glory’s past two games due to a hamstring injury and was listed as three weeks away from playing when Perth announced their squad on Thursday.
But the 34-year-old has seemingly completed a remarkable recovery, with Lowe telling reporters on Friday that Castro could be involved against Hyundai A-League leaders Sydney on Saturday night.
“I think he’ll be on the bench, which is a big boost for everyone,” Lowe said.
Castro has scored two goals and notched one assist in eight games this season.
The Spanish attacker was named the Hyundai A-League’s best player in 2015/16 after scoring 13 goals and setting up another two for Glory.
Castro’s return couldn’t come at a better time, with Perth hoping to bounce back from a shock 2-1 home loss to Newcastle Jets last week.
Glory have registered only one win in their past seven matches and Lowe declared “we let everybody down” with their first A-League defeat at nib Stadium since January.
“History says that that’s not the norm, so I’m expecting a reaction from the players,” Perth’s coach said.Â
“The players are expecting a reaction from themselves and a positive reaction, so hopefully we see that at the weekend.”
But although Glory are clearly hurting this week, Lowe attempted to cast their current slump in a positive light.
Perth sit fifth in the A-League table ahead of their Round 11 fixture against the Sky Blues.
“The big thing is we’re sitting in a final’s position with a possibility of moving upwards and, like I said, at the moment that’s not acceptable, which is amazing for us as a club because it shows how far we’ve come,” Lowe said.Â
“Now we what we need is to grasp the situation and kick-on up the league.”
Match Details
Saturday, 17 December 2016
Perth Glory v Sydney FC
nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-Off: Â 7:00PM (Local) (10:00PM (AEDT))
Tickets can be purchased HERE
