North Queensland Fury coach Franz Straka will miss Friday night’s match against Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium due to severe flu.
Straka had been ill since Wednesday and had hoped to make the trip to Adelaide to meet up with the squad but will remain in Townsville under the strict orders of his doctor.
Fury assistant coach Stuart McLaren will be in charge for the match against the Reds with the former Czech Republic international hoping to be fit for the Fury’s home clash against Sydney FC on Wednesday.
North Queensland’s Football Operations manager, Robbie Middleby will be the coaching representative for the post-match media conference however, after McLaren was slapped with a media ban imposed by the club after their Week 9 fixture against Central Coast Mariners.
In more positive news for United, star Brazilian Cassio has been cleared to play despite concerns he would miss the clash after leaving training early on Thursday.
Cassio copped a knock on the ankle after an intense possession drill from team-mate Nigel Boogaard and there were fears he would not recover in time for Friday’s game.
The pocket rocket revealed there was no swelling and will make his 18th start for the season after missing the Week 3 clash against Melbourne Heart through suspension.
United are aiming to make it seven consecutive wins from eight matches at home after a 0-0 draw against Newcastle Jets on the opening day of the season.
