Victory duo in doubt for Geelong date with Jets

Melbourne Victory could be light on attacking options in Geelong with Ola Toivonen and Elvis Kamsoba both in doubt for the match against Newcastle Jets.

Sweden international Toivonen, who missed two games in February through injury, is battling illness ahead of the Round 21 fixture at GMHBA Stadium.

Livewire attacker Kasmoba picked up a knee problem in training on Friday, potentially leaving Kosta Barbarouses and Kenny Athiu as head coach Kevin Muscat’s only recognised forwards.

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“Ola has been a little ill over the last couple of days. He’s been to the doctor,” Muscat said.

“We’ll monitor that and make a decision, taking everything into consideration.

“There is a chance [he could miss the match]. We’ll see how he pulls up. 

“Elvis, it wasn’t a knock. On his own he felt a little bit of pain in his knee.

“He’ll be receiving scans and he’ll be in the hands of the physios. We’ll see what the outcome is.”

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Victory will already be without Carl Valeri (hamstring) and Georg Niedermeier (suspension) against the Jets as they attempt to keep the pressure on leaders Perth Glory and second-placed Sydney FC.

Any further absences are certain to test the club’s depth with their first two AFC Champions League clashes – at home to Daegu and away to Sanfrecce Hiroshima – forming part of a busy March.

Muscat, however, has no concerns over his squad’s ability to cope with the pressure at the pointy end of the season.

“Throughout the campaign [the team] hasn’t been settled by any stretch of the imagination and to be in the position we’re in, and not wavering on how we want to play, I think the boys have done really well,” he said.

“I’m certainly in the mindset that being in the Champions League and having cup runs and being in a position where you’re competing for honours in a competition is not a burden.

“It’s where everybody wants to be and it’s certainly where I want to be.

“And to do that, what you need to do is focus on performance.

“When you narrow it down that’s where my mindset is. I’m looking forward to tomorrow night’s game, the run-in to the [end] of the season and everything that comes with it.”

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