Muscat cools talk of Valeri replacement

Melbourne Victory coach Kevin Muscat is not “actively” looking for an injury-replacement player following the revelation captain Carl Valeri will miss the rest of the Hyundai A-League season.

Victory ruled out Valeri, who has been suffering inflammation on the brain that has affected his balance, for the rest of the 2015-16 campaign on Thursday.

Victory skipper ruled out for the season

Muscat explained Victory wanted to take away the “burden” on the midfielder of trying to return to the pitch this season. 

But any fans hoping the decision was a precursor for a new signing look set to be disappointed.

“I’m not going to say I’m actively out there searching but if something does come up, we’ll look at it,” the 42-year-old coach said on Friday.

“Like the last month, I reckon there might have been 300 players that have come across the desk. 

“We’ll treat every situation in isolation and if someone does come along – great – but at this point in time, we’re very comfortable with the squad we’ve got.”

Muscat added: “It’s very, very hard during the window, let alone how difficult when it’s shut.”

Despite Thursday’s announcement, Valeri was “in good spirits”, according to Muscat. 

#MVCvWSW