The frustration appears to be almost over for star Central Coast Mariners’ star signing Patricio Perez.
His first season in the Hyundai A-League has been interrupted by a niggling hamstring injury and a two-week suspension for simulation.
But the Mariners are confident better times are just around the corner for their big off-season signing.
Perez was a late withdrawal from the Mariners team beaten by Brisbane last Wednesday night. A hamstring injury that first troubled the former Argentina under-20 representative at the start of the season returned.
Perez received an epidural last week which Mariners assistant coach Phil Moss believes has solved the ongoing problem.
The news is a huge boost for the Mariners ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Perth at the Sydney Football Stadium.
“The trouble was isolated to his lower back so we’re hopeful the epidural has sorted everything out,” Moss said.
“It’s been frustrating for him and the club; hopefully this is the end of it and he can get a good run in the team without disruption.”
Perez returned to light training early this week with Moss expecting the attacking midfielder to be at full speed by the end of the week.
“We’re very confident he’ll be available for selection for Saturday night,” Moss said.
The return of Perez would be timely with midfielder John Hutchinson suspended for the match.
While the match is being played in Sydney it is a home match for the Mariners. The club was forced to move the match as Bluetongue Stadium is being resurfaced.
