Sydney FC is preparing to take on arch rivals Brisbane Roar without marquee man John Aloisi, with the star striker rated a 50-50 chance at best to return for the Round 8 clash.
Aloisi was nowhere to be seen at the side’s first serious training run of the week on Thursday as he continues to battle the knee complaint which ruled him out of last week’s victory over Newcastle.
But while it appears highly unlikely the 33-year-old will make the trip to Brisbane, coach Vitezslav Lavicka still holds some hope the veteran can make a miraculous recovery.
“John Aloisi has a special training program in this week … and it’s hard to say if he will be able to play in this game against Brisbane,” Lavicka said.
“(We are) hoping (but he is) 50-50 at this moment.”
Central defender Stephan Keller also sat out the spirited two-hour session with a calf injury but is considered a likely starter.
“Stephan Keller has started building up his movement after injury and we’ll see after tomorrow before we depart,” Lavicka said.
“He’s close to yes but hard to say in this moment.”
Midfielder Karol Kisel, who also missed last week’s clash through illness, trained strongly and will definitely line up against the Roar.
“That was my first session and it was quite good so we still have time before the match so I’m happy I’m back,” Kisel said of his return to the training pitch.
The Slovakian international admits the win over the Jets helped lift the spirits of his team-mates following consecutive losses but stressed the importance of another strong showing against a desperate Brisbane outfit.
“It will be a tough game, we can expect that after they lost a home game they will be really motivated, so we have to be prepared and play good tactically and punish their mistakes,” Kisel said.
“It’s so equalized the league, the most in the world I think … everybody can beat anybody.”
“We are happy we are at the top and I think it’s important to have consistent results and then you can (be successful).”
Kisel’s likely return leaves Lavicka with a selection headache in the midfield after Stuart Musialik excelled in his first senior appearance of the season against his former club.
Lavicka, however, gave little away when asked to reveal his most likely midfield combination.
“We have versatile players in the middle, they can play not only centre midfielder, they can play different positions in the midfield line.”
