The Hyundai A-League is set to be buoyed by an influx of upbeat Caltex Socceroos as Australian footballers across the country step up the chase for a World Cup spot.
Here are five important inclusions for Round 7.
Ersan Gulum (Adelaide United)
Gulum somehow played on despite breaking a rib and puncturing his lung in the Round 3 draw with Melbourne Victory.
The Reds are without a point since losing their experienced defender and will be delighted to welcome back his tenacity as they attempt to arrest the form slump away to Central Coast Mariners.
Tim Cahill (Melbourne City)
Limped out of his last club match before the international break but returns yet again as an international hero after playing 66 minutes on Wednesday.
The Caltex Socceroos star has been clear in his aim to play as much football as possible in the lead-up to Russia and could be involved in Brisbane on Friday night.
Daniel Georgievski (Newcastle Jets)
Newcastle will need all of their resources to see off Sydney FC on Saturday and the return of Georgievski is another boost for the top-of-the-table clash.
The hard-nosed defender, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury, won the Joe Marston Medal against the Sky Blues in last season’s Grand Final.
Scott Galloway (Wellington Phoenix)
Is this the week for Sydney FC’s star recruit?
Sky Blues fans have been waiting patiently to get a proper look at the Polish playmaker, who is in the squad for the trip to face league-leaders Newcastle.
Mierzejewski’s creativity could be vital to cracking open what is likely to be a tense encounter.
Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory)
James Troisi and Kosta Barbarouses are also set to return from international duty but it’s Milligan who often proves most influential in the middle of the pitch.
The 32-year-old is on track for a fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and has been sorely missed by a Victory side still seeking its first win.
