Auckland FC revealed star captain Hiroki Sakai is ineligible for the upcoming Isuzu UTE A-League blockbuster showdown with leaders Melbourne City due to concussion.
Sakai will observe a minimum eight-day stand down period in line with A-Leagues concussion protocol, meaning he will miss Saturday’s clash against City at Go Media Stadium.
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The 74-time Japan international full-back was struck by a ball to the head in the 46th minute of last week’s shock defeat away to Perth Glory at HBF Park, where Sakai was substituted after suffering a concussion.
After returning from Perth, Sakaki will assessed and will need to complete a concussion return to play protocol before re-joining full team training.
The 34-year-old has made 10 appearances this season since arriving from Japanese giants Urawa Reds, scoring once.
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