Sydney FC defender Shannon Cole is in doubt for the second leg of the major semi-final against Melbourne Victory with a hamstring injury suffered whilst playing for the Qantas Socceroos.
Cole, who played strongly on debut in Australia’s Asian Cup qualifier against Indonesia in Brisbane, was unable to train with the Sky Blues on Friday after pulling up sore from the mid-week clash.
The 25-year-old will be given until Saturday to prove his fitness, with coach Vitezslav Lavicka still hopeful the much-improved right-back can make a miraculous recovery.
“Shannon is not 100 percent to train but we will give him time, the Sydney FC medical staff will look after him and we’ll make a decision tomorrow,” Lavicka said.
“We have the last two days before the (game) so there is no time for good recovery, but still we hope that he will be available to play.”
Former Victory defender Sebastian Ryall, who is on the comeback trail from a knee injury, is the man most likely to start if Cole is ruled out.
In better news for the Sky Blues, Mark Bridge (toe) and Alex Brosque (knee) both completed training at the SFS and are expected to take part in the vital clash.
Bridge will most likely start on the bench following a six-week absence while Brosque, who is suffering from pain behind his knee, is expected to be named in the starting line-up.
“We (still) have the last two training sessions together after the Socceroos camp and I believe both players will be available to play on Sunday,” Lavicka said of Bridge and Brosque.
Sydney trails 2-1 on aggregate after the Victory prevailed in the opening leg a fortnight ago but is still well placed after scoring a vital away goal at Etihad Stadium.
The winner of the two-legged tie will host the Hyundai A-League grand final on March 20, while the loser must play either Newcastle or Wellington in next week’s preliminary final next for a spot in the decider.
