Western Sydney Wanderers FC’s horror injury toll has taken a further hit after two more players went down in Wednesday night’s 0-0 ACL draw against FC Seoul – and both are Socceroo stars.
Tomi Juric and Matthew Spiranovic suffered hamstring problems and will need to be assessed further once the squad arrives back from Korea on Friday.
Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou will also be sweating on the duo, who are part of the 23-man squad for next week’s international friendly against world champions Germany.
The pair’s problems adds to a long list of injuries for the Wanderers, which includes Mark Bridge (groin), Mateo Poljak (calf), Shannon Cole (collarbone), Brendon Santalab (shoulder), Brendan Hamill (quad) and Golgol Mebrahtu (knee).
It leaves the weary Wanderers – who have played eight games in 26 days – with a depleted squad for Saturday’s #EraseRacism round clash with Newcastle Jets at Hunter Stadium.
Despite the injury setback on Wednesday, the defending ACL champions showed all their resolve to come away with what could be a crucial point on the road.
“I’m very proud of the group, it was a difficult match, a real battle,” coach Tony Popovic said.
“We go home positive with the result but disappointed we picked up another couple of injuries.”
Wrap: FC Seoul 0 Western Sydney Wanderers 0
The Wanderers are currently second in their group on four points, only ahead of third-placed FC Seoul on goal-difference, with Guangzhou Evergrande out in front on nine.
While forced to do a lot of defence against FC Seoul, they had their chances to win the match with Labinot Haliti hitting the crossbar, while Kerem Bulut was also denied twice by the ‘keeper.
“I thought we had enough chances to win the game. We’ll take the draw back home and we’ll prepare for the weekend,” Haliti told Fox Sports.
“We’ve got a massive game on Saturday and the week after that as well. It’s a positive result for us and we showed tonight a great character”
The Wanderers are Jets – equal on 11 competition points – are both hoping to avoid the wooden spoon, with a win on Saturday taking one of those sides a step closer to that goal.
