The Foxtel A-League All Stars have assembled in Wollongong and received their first piece of good news with striker Tomi Juric cleared to face Serie A powerhouse Juventus on August 10.
It was initially feared a thigh injury picked up in training with Hyundai A-League club Western Sydney Wanderers FC would rule the 23-year-old of the clash at ANZ Stadium on August 10.
But Juric was passed fit by Foxtel A-League All Stars medical staff and will get his chance to line-up against the likes of Andrew Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini and Carlos Tevez.
He is likely to be eased through the early part of the week but is likely to be fully fit by the time kick-off comes around on Sunday week.
“It’s all good. I got the green light the from medical staff and they spoke to the Wanderers as well,” Juric told www.a-leagueallstars.com.au.
“They’re going to keep a close eye on me but things are looking good and hopefully I get the whole week of training under my belt.
“I’m feeling good and confident. Having such a busy schedule coming up and an important game in the ACL I was just being a little bit safe but it’s fine.”
It ensures coach Josep Gombau has plenty of attacking options at his disposal, with skipper Alessandro Del Piero, Besart Berisha, David Williams and Bernie Ibini also in the squad.
Juric’s injury doubt aside it was an otherwise drama-free opening day for the squad as they checked into a luxurious hotel opposite North Wollongong beach.
The squad is in Wollongong not only to sharpen up for the huge task of facing the world-class names in the Juventus squad but also get out in the community to promote the game.
Sydney FC flyer Bernie Ibini kicked things off, making an appearance at Mt Terry Public school to meet some star-struck pupils.
The entire squad, minus skipper Del Piero who arrives in town on the weekend, will also be presented at a special Football South Coast dinner at the team’s hotel later on Friday night.
It’s then down to business early on Saturday morning as Gombau and assistant coach Phil Moss get their players on the training pitch for the first time at WIN Stadium.
