Thomas Broich will almost certainly face Western Sydney Wanderers, despite a calf injury continuing to trouble him, according to coach Mike Mulvey.
Thomas Broich will almost certainly play for Brisbane Roar in their A-League semi-final against Western Sydney Wanderers, despite a calf injury continuing to trouble him a day before the game, according to coach Mike Mulvey.
Brisbane travel to Sydney Friday morning, and Mulvey says his star player will be on the flight with the rest of the team, and he expects him to be available for the match that night.
Broich trained away from his teammates on Thursday morning, but completed a successful hour-long session with the team physiotherapist even though he is still suffering from heavy bruising around his left ankle.
Mulvey told reporters Broich would rule himself out if not fully fit, but would likely play.
“I stand by my comments earlier in the week, I fully expect him to play,” Mulvey said.
“He won’t play unless he can play to his normal standards.
“Firstly he’s an honest professional, and secondly we have an understanding within the group that we do what’s best for the team and I’m sure that will prevail as far as Thomas is concerned.
“It’s been a short turnaround. I imagine there’ll still be some pain there but anybody that’s played sport at a good level will know that everybody has knocks that you carry into games so I’ve got every confidence in him.”
When asked if Broich would definitely make the trip to Parramatta with the Roar squad, Mulvey was unequivocal.
“There’s no question in my mind, he’s travelling, he’s playing.”
Mulvey said the focus should not be entirely on the German midfielder, however, as his Roar side are mentally capable of beating the Wanderers with or without Broich.
“We’re not a one-man team,” he said.
“The space we’re in right now, we’ve got players who can come in and cover for him. I’ve got no problems with who steps up, because I’m sure they’ll do a good job for us.”
The Brisbane coach said that rather than being intimidated by the atmosphere at what will be a packed Parramatta Stadium, he and the Roar players were thrilled at the prospect.
“I’m excited about that,” he said.
“It’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere and if you’re involved in football at a good level, you live for these moments.
“I’ve absolutely no qualms about that, I’m absolutely pumped myself, and I know the players are.”
While the Wanderers were highly impressive in winning the Premiers’ Plate in their first season in the competition, Mulvey said the Roar were ruthless enough to end their superb run of form.
“There’s has been a fairytale season, and sometimes you wake up from fairytale,” he said.
“Our job is to try and knock them out tomorrow night. If we’re good enough on the night then we’re capable of doing it, there’s no question about that.”
