Released from his international commitments, Carlos Hernandez made a surprise appearance at Melbourne Victory training on Tuesday and will be in the selection mix for Friday night’s clash with Hyundai A-League arch rivals Adelaide United.
Released from his international commitments, Carlos Hernandez made a surprise appearance at Melbourne Victory training on Tuesday and will be in the selection mix for Friday night’s clash with Hyundai A-League arch rivals Adelaide United.
Hernandez, who played the last 25 minutes of last Friday’s friendly against Brazil in San Jose, became available when Costa Rica’s friendly against Cuba, scheduled for Tuesday night, was cancelled.
The 29-year-old forward headed straight back to Melbourne with a view to squeezing his way into the line-up that fought out a thrilling opening-round scoreless draw with Sydney FC.
“I just turned up to training and Carlos was back,” said coach Mehmet Durakovic after Tuesday morning’s workout at Gosch’s Paddock.
“It was a fantastic surprise for us.”
“He trained really well this morning and he’s in the mix for the Adelaide side on Friday night.”
Asked whether Hernandez, the Johnny Warren Medalist from 2009-10, was a chance to start against United, Durakovic said: “We’ll make up our minds on Thursday afternoon.”
“I’ve got a wealth of players and it’s a good headache to have.”
“We all know what Carlos can do to teams, so I’ve got that option … to play him (as a striker). It’s a wonderful option to have.”
Durakovic said star signing Harry Kewell had pulled up well after playing the full 90 minutes last Saturday night.
Striker Archie Thompson is also in good shape despite undergoing minor surgery for a nasty wound to his left shin, the legacy of a scything tackle from Michael Beauchamp.
“Archie’s OK,” Durakovic said. “He got six stitches in his shin but, Archie being Archie, he doesn’t want to miss a training session.”
“I’m happy with Archie’s performance.”
Midfielder Billy Celeski was also given the all-clear to train on Tuesday after copping a knock to the knee against Sydney.
“We were really scared, we thought his knee’s gone again but, knock on wood, that wasn’t to be, it was just a cork,” said Durakovic.
“Billy got a bit of treatment today, but he should be fine this week.”
