Adelaide United could welcome back winger Fabio Ferreira and defender Daniel Bowles for next Sunday’s home clash with the Newcastle Jets.
Adelaide United could welcome back winger Fabio Ferreira and defender Daniel Bowles for next Sunday’s home clash with the Newcastle Jets.
Ferreira missed Sunday’s scoreless draw with Perth Glory at nib Stadium because of an adductor problem, while Bowles has not played since Round 2 due to a serious ankle injury.
But the pair could be welcome inclusions for the Reds as the club looks to claim a third consecutive clean sheet to see out 2013.
Winger Sergio Cirio is also expected to return to the starting line-up after an undisclosed problem restricted him to a bench role against Glory.
Adelaide coach Josep Gombau said he was satisfied with his team’s effort against Perth despite the Reds not getting adequately rewarded for having more possession and more shots on goal than their rivals.
“We came here to try and win this game because for us it’s important, but in the end it was a draw and we have a clean sheet for two weeks in a row,” Gombau said.
“We have a project … to build a style for Adelaide to play and at the moment I am satisfied with the work that the players are doing and I think everybody in the crowd is satisfied.
“It is good when you get a result and when you win or draw and get points, but in the end we are trying to grow.”
Marcelo Carrusca was Adelaide’s best against Glory and looked the only player likely to score in what was mostly an uninspiring match for either side.
The Argentine playmaker had a chance to score a winner for the visitors in the 70th minute, but his run to goal was halted at the last stride by a desperate tackle from Perth captain Jacob Burns.
Gombau was quick to heap praise on Carrusca, who has become a key figure in the coach’s plans for the club.
“He’s playing very well, not just this week or last week, but for me the last four or five games,” Gombau said.
“He’s an important player because he plays in the middle and he brings a tempo that makes the team play the way we want to play.
“I’m very satisfied with his effort and what he is giving to us.”
