Melbourne Victory head coach Patrick Kisnorbo says returning Subway Socceroos Jason Geria and Nishan Velupillay should be available for Friday night’s Isuzu UTE A-League season opener against two-time reigning champions Central Coast Mariners.
Both players impressed during the recent international window with forward Velupillay scoring on debut in the Socceroos’ 3-1 win over China while defender Geria then put in a player-of-the-match display to help Tony Popovic’s Australia earn a 1-1 draw with Japan on Tuesday.
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Now, heading into what will be the opening game of the 20th season of the Isuzu UTE A-League, Kisnorbo confirmed that, barring any late changes, Geria and Velupillay are set to feature in what is a Grand Final rematch against the Mariners in Gosford.
“Look, it’s part and parcel with international players these days,” said Kisnorbo when asked about the duo’s availability given the tight turnaround due to international travel.
“As great as it is representing the country, you’re also representing the club. We’ve got something in place for them but they should be available for selection for tomorrow.
“I think it’s a great thing for the club that we have players coming through, but I think for them, you know, I think Jason has been out of the system for a long time, and Nish (Velupillay) has been called up for the first time.
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“I think it’s a proud moment for them and their families but you know, it’s great to see our players representing our country.”
As part of the aforementioned “plan”, Kisnorbo also revealed both players were sent straight to the Central Coast as opposed to returning to Melbourne to link up with the rest of the squad.
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“They’re already in Terrigal,” said Kisnorbo. “We decided that they would go there, get the extra sort of days rest instead of coming back, flying to Sydney and then getting to Terrigal.
“So look, they’re going to meet us in Terrigal, I think they’ve got their rest. They’ll have a program today, and we’ll see if they’re available for selection tomorrow.”
One player who could be making his debut for Kisnorbo’s new-look Victory side is Brazilian import Clarismario Santos Rodrigues.
“He could be available,” revealed Kisnorbo, when asked about the status of his new attacker who goes by the name ‘Santos’.
“We’ll see how he goes today, but he’s coming in fine. Again, we’ll make those sort of decisions later today.”
One player who won’t be available for the game is Socceroos winger Daniel Arzani.
Despite travelling away with the national team, the 25-year-old is suspended for the opening round of the Isuzu UTE A-League after collecting four yellow cards during last season’s Final Series.
For Kisnorbo, Friday night’s clash with the Mariners marks his first competitive match as a head coach in the Isuzu UTE A-League since he left Victory’s cross-town rivals, Melbourne City.
Winning a Championship and two Premier’s Plates during his time with City, Kisnorobo returns to the Isuzu UTE A-League dugout after a spell in charge of French club Troyes.
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