They may have turned their fortunes around on the field last weekend but Sydney FC’s wretched run with injuries looks to have continued with skipper Terry McFlynn and midfielder Nicky Carle both struggling to be fit for Saturday night’s clash with the Brisbane Roar.
After picking up their first win of the season against Perth Glory last Sunday, Sydney were confident of continuing their resurgence against the in-form Roar despite their contrasting positions on the Hyundai A-League ladder.
But it is looking increasingly likely they will have to meet that challenge without two of their most influential players who both sustained injuries in the 3-0 demolition of the Glory.
Carle (ankle) hasn’t trained all week and sat out Thursday’s session at the SFS, while McFlynn (calf) worked away from his team-mates doing some light running and stretching.
Defenders Hayden Foxe and Sung-Hwan Byun also didn’t train but are expected to be fit to face the high-flying Roar at the SFS.
Socceroos midfielder Carle appears the biggest concern but Sky Blues coach Vitezslav Lavicka was confident his skipper McFlynn, who was man-of-the-match against the Glory, would take his place.
“Tezza (McFlynn) is a soldier,” the Sydney boss said.
“He needs some extra days for recovery or some extra treatment but I deeply believe he’ll be available for this weekend.”
“He’s a very hard worker.”
Asked about Carle, who is only two games back from a month out with a toe injury, Lavicka said: “It’s too early. Nicky is giving 100 percent to be ready.”
“Nicky is a good player but it’s unlucky for him he’s been fighting with many injuries in first part this season.”
“It’s frustrating for him and for all of us.”
“I appreciate his effort to be available and be ready and I hope he will be okay soon.”
Sydney will make a final decision on the pair after their final session on Friday.
One player that will definitely take his place is striker Bruno Cazarine after the Brazilian continued his promising start to his first season in the Hyundai A-League with a brace against the Glory.
The 27-year-old has now netted four goals in just seven appearances for the club.
“I can’t I’m say surprised because before when we brought him we had watched DVDs of his play and we knew that he’s good quality striker and he’s a goal scorer,” Lavicka said.
“We expect the same here at Sydney.”
“We need a type of striker like him because he’s tall and able to win air challenges.”
“He’s scored four goals for us so it’s a pretty good return at this moment.”
