Sydney FC’s Bernie Ibini will be given until kick-off to prove he’s able to play in a fourth Hyundai A-League Grand Final this Sunday.
The explosive Sydney FC striker limped off late in the Sky Blues’ semi-final win over Perth Glory last weekend.
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Ibini injured his hamstring and is battling to be ready to take his place in the match-day squad.
“He’s touch and go as I said the other day,” Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold told reporters.
“We’ll give him right up until the last minute to prove his fitness and he deserves that.
“He’s come back from Belgium, he’s had a long period of an injury which he’s had to get over,” said Arnold.
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The muscular marksman has played 20 games for Sydney FC this season, but all but one of those appearances have been from the bench.
Ibini has scored three goals, including the winner against Victory in the round 17 clash at Etihad Stadium.
“He’s only [played] sparingly over the year and that’s down to the fact that we keep winning,” said Arnold.
“His commitment and his attitude have been spot-on, so he deserves that opportunity,” he added.
Ibini won the Hyundai A-League championship under Arnold with the Mariners in 2012/13, but has twice been a grand final loser, with Central Coast in 2010/11 and Sydney FC two seasons ago.
