Adelaide United head coach Carl Veart is remaining vigilant around captain and linchpin Craig Goodwin amid an ongoing injury problem.
The second-placed Reds welcome Sydney FC to Coopers Stadium on Friday, with star skipper Goodwin nursing the groin ailment – osteitis pubis.
It is a problem the Socceroos attacker has been dealing with since last year’s FIFA Men’s World Cup and it is why Veart questioned the national team’s approach to his minutes during the latest international window.
In the pair of friendlies against Ecuador last month, Goodwin played 69 minutes in the Sydney fixture and another 78 minutes in the Melbourne showdown – all in the space of four days.
“Craig had a very high load with the Socceroos playing those two games (against Ecuador) with a short turnaround,” he said.
“It was maybe a little bit surprising that he played so much in the two games considering the injury that he has been nursing before the World Cup.
“It’s an injury that is still there, that we can’t really take care of until the end of this season – he needs that break.
“We have to be very careful with him now for the next few weeks.”
READ MORE ON KEEPUP
VEART: ‘Old-fashioned’ footballer turned modern managerial marvel
ADELAIDE: Reds’ owner steps into the spotlight
YOUNGSTERS: Promising area where Isuzu UTE A-League beats Serie A & LaLiga combined
COACH OF THE MONTH: Vote now!
Adelaide are riding an 11-game undefeated streak to sit within five points of league-leading reigning premiers Melbourne City.
The Reds announced Veart’s renewal on Thursday, with the former player extended his contract by three years.
Veart returned to Adelaide as an assistant coach in 2019-20, was appointed interim head coach role following the league’s COVID-19 postponement and then accepted the permanent job.
Under his management, Adelaide have become a league benchmark for developing young local talent – the Reds finished their latest win against Western Sydney with 10 South Australian-born players on the pitch.
“That is not going to change, it’s going to be very evident in the way our sides are selected over the coming three years,” Veart said.
“We have seen signs of positivity in that… and it’s important that we stay on that path.”
FA has been approached for comment.
