Steve Pantelidis is free to line up for Gold Coast United against Adelaide on Friday night after having his violent conduct hearing adjourned until next week.
The rugged midfielder faces a two-match ban after an incident where he appeared to lash out at North Queensland defender Robbie Middleby with an elbow in United’s Round 2 whitewash of the Fury.
United boss Clive Palmer successfully argued that his club needed more time to collect evidence and mount a case for Pantelidis.
The inclusion of the 2007 Hyundai A-League Grand Final winner comes as a boost for coach Miron Bleiberg who has a host of players struggling with injury.
Classy Brazilian playmaker Robson is struggling with a knee problem while his compatriot Milson is battling groin strain and both are likely to miss the match with Adelaide.
The third of Bleiberg’s Brazilians Jefferson will spend at least two months on the sidelines after he was injured in the pre-season, but substitute-striker Milson insists their fortune is about to change.
“This bad luck is sure to go, it’s finished. We expect no more injury, we would appreciate no more injury,” he said.
“It’s getting better and surely next week we will be ready and happy to help.”
Meanwhile, defender Daniel Piorkowski is battling his own groin injury and first choice goalkeeper Jess Vanstratten faces at least another month out with torn ankle ligaments.
In Vanstratten’s absence, Scott Higgins has been almost immaculate for United, only a Sergio Van Dijk penalty has beaten the journeyman in 180 minutes of football.
Due to the severity of Vanstratten’s injury, the club has moved to cover for Higgins by signing former Adelaide ‘keeper Robbie Bajic.
Bajic trained with United on a short-term contract during the pre-season and takes up a similar contract until the rehabilitation of Vanstratten is complete.
