Germany-bound Matthew Leckie has put his hand up for selection for Adelaide United’s next home game against North Queensland Fury next week, for what would be his first match in four months.
Leckie has been sidelined with a knee injury since United’s 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory at the end of October, after a crude challenge from Surat Sukha saw the speedster require surgery on his left knee to repair a ruptured medial cruciate ligament.
The Young Socceroo, who turns 20 next month, admitted his knee feels strong and he is nearing full fitness ahead of the Fury clash at Hindmarsh Stadium on January 21, but conceded the decision ultimately lies with Reds coach Rini Coolen.
“I’d be happy if I could get into the team for that game but at the end of the day it’s up to the coach,” Leckie said.
“He has to make the decision but I’m putting it out there that I’m ready for it. It’s up to him. I feel strong and I think the knee is getting better as the weeks go on.”
“I’ve also been working hard in the gym and on the pitch now as well and it is coming along really well. I’m hoping to get back into full training very soon.”
Leckie, who will join Bundesliga club Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of the season, said his time on the sidelines had been extremely difficult.
He admitted it was particularly frustrating being unable to help the Reds during their midseason slump that saw United win only six from 13 games since the defeat to the Victory.
“I think the toughest has been watching training every day,” Leckie said.
“But the major thing was when we were losing. When we lose and you can’t get out there and do anything about it, it’s really tough.”
The speedster also admitted he was left to lament what could have been, after a blistering start to the season where he found the back of the net four times in United’s opening seven matches while his strike partner Sergio van Dijk now leads the A-League scoring with 13.
“Sergio has done really well and I did have a good start to the season. The team was playing well also,” Leckie said.
“It could have been a good season for me, but unfortunately I got the injury. Maybe I could have been where Sergio is right now, but good on Serge. I just want to get back and score some goals.”
Leckie acknowledged it was crucial he heads over to Europe with a few games under his belt so he is as close to peak fitness as possible in order to stand up to the rigors of German football.
But, perhaps more important for the Young Socceroo is that he ends his stint with Adelaide United as a chief contributor in a Reds championship winning team.
“I want to be playing games. I don’t want to go over there not 100 percent and not match fit, obviously it’s another level (in Germany),” Leckie said.
“I think it’s just about getting games in and getting the match fitness so I can go over there with the best of my ability. I’ve got to be at my peak, 110 percent, so I’d like to play a few more games before the finals.”
“I also want to put in for the finals, be a part of the team and I want to do something during the games that can get us a result and get us a championship.”
“It’s a major point for me. I think I need to play games before I head over but also just for the finals and Adelaide United.”
