Western Sydney Wanderers’ unbeaten start to the A-League season has been tempered by news star striker Tomi Juric may have a serious knee injury.
Western Sydney Wanderers’ unbeaten start to the A-League season has been tempered by news star striker Tomi Juric may have a serious knee injury.
Juric copped a knock late in the Wanderers’ 1-0 win over Melbourne Heart last Friday night and despite managing to finish the match he had to be helped from the field at full-time.
The injury is still given the 22-year-old problems this week, putting him in huge doubt for Saturday night’s blockbuster with the Melbourne Victory at Pirtek Stadium.
“It’s not as good as we thought he would be,” Wanderers coach Tony Popovic told reporter on Tuesday.
“His (Juric) knee has pulled up sore.
“He’s seeing a specialist and doing all the right things.
“We’re hoping it’s nothing serious, but we’re still waiting to find out exactly the extent of his injury.”
Juric has been in sublime form at the start of this campaign, scoring three goals in five appearances.
He’s not the only Wanderer in doubt for the visit of the Victory, with livewire winger Youssouf Hersi also struggling to prove his fitness.
The Dutchman hasn’t played since he limped off at half-time against Sydney FC last month due to a foot injury and he again failed to train with the squad on Tuesday.
“It’s a bit of a unique injury that he got and it really is a day-by-day proposition,” Popovic said of Hersi.
“Today he feels good and we hope to get him out on the field for the rest of the week.
“If he can get through that then he’ll be available.”
Popovic was also coy over his skipper Michael Beauchamp, who was a surprise omission from the side that beat the Heart.
The in-form Beauchamp was left out to give Socceroos defender Matthew Spiranovic his club debut.
Asked why Beauchamp was dropped last weekend, Popovic said: “Michael’s done nothing wrong – he’s played well. It was just a decision that was made and it’s not due to form.
“It was a decision made for that game and he understands that.
“I’m sure he’ll be prepared and if he gets the opportunity this week, he’ll continue on with the great form he’s shown so far.
“We’ll see what happens this week, we’ll all prepare well and we’ll finalise the squad closer to the game.”
