Queensland Roar playmaker Charlie Miller’s injury woes have worsened, with the Scottish star now suffering from a double hernia, but he will still continue to play through the pain.
The midfielder was clearly impeded at training on Friday, but Roar coach Frank Farina was hopeful Miller would play against Newcastle in Sunday’s Hyundai A-League clash with Newcastle at Suncorp Stadium.
“He’s struggling to be totally honest,” Farina said.
“Whether I start him, or start him on the bench, it’s a decision I’ll make probably late tomorrow, or even Sunday.”
In more positive news for the Roar, Tahj Minniecon was cleared of any serious damage to his back, while Michael Zullo has regained full fitness after illness kept him out of action last weekend.
Farina admitted Miller was a week-to-week prospect.
“It’s going to have to be operated on at some stage.”
“Hopefully we’ll get him through to the end of the season and get it done then.”
The Roar will enjoy an extended break after this weekend due the rescheduling of their match against Adelaide United.
The Reds participation in the Club World Cup means Miller will have a little more time to recover.
“It settles down, it doesn’t repair itself, but it does settle down.”
“The good thing is we’ve got a two week break after the Newcastle game, whether he plays in that one or not, hopefully it will settle down enough for the next one.”
Roar skipper Craig Moore acknowledged Miller was in a bad way.
“He is really struggling,” Moore said.
“What input he’ll have between now and the end of the season, I’m really unsure, I don’t know.”
“Hopefully we can still look after him and get him involved in games between now and the end of the season.”
