Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar has included marquee signing Paul Agostino in his 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which begins next Thursday in Japan.
After missing the last six weeks with a calf injury, the 32-year-old’s availability is a significant boost for Adelaide’s chances.
“I didn’t want to miss out on that (the Club World Cup) and if I can come through the youth game on Friday night I would love to be on board,” Agostino said.
“To be honest I’m feeling good. It has been a bit frustrating having to stop training for three to four weeks and then start again.”
“It’s a nice feeling to be amongst the boys again, I’m still as keen as ever and have still got some big goals in mind this season.”
The Reds squad for the tournament comprises of the same group that reached the final of the AFC Champions League (ACL), plus a few extra inclusions and one unfortunate withdrawal.
Midfielder Jonas Salley and Brazilian defender Alemao are also in the squad after both were ineligible to play in the ACL.
The other inclusions in the squad are National Youth League duo Osama Malik and Michael Marrone who fill the remaining spots on the list, while young goalkeeper Lucas Andreucci will occupy the compulsory third keeping position.
Vice-captain Lucas Pantelis is the only notable player who will not make the trip with the midfielder instead remaining in Adelaide to continue his recovery from a knee injury.
The Reds will open their campaign with a match against New Zealand’s Waitakere United on December 11, and should they win that, they will go on to meet the team that beat them in ACL final, Gamba Osaka, in the quarter-finals before a potential match against European Champions Manchester United.
Due to Adelaide’s participation in the prestigious competition, the Round 15 and 16 Hyundai A-League matches against Melbourne Victory and Queensland Roar respectively have been postponed to January.
