Melbourne Heart FC has suffered a blow ahead of its match with Gold Coast United after Alex Terra was ruled out through injury.
Melbourne Heart FC has suffered a blow ahead of its match with Gold Coast United after Alex Terra was ruled out through injury.
The Brazilian forward has been one of Heart-s star performers this season, volleying home the winner during the side-s memorable Melbourne Derby win over cross town rivals Victory.
However, after aggravating a leg injury during last weekend-s match in Wellington, the former Fluminense player faced a race against time to prove his fitness.
Head Coach John van ‘t Schip admitted Terra-s absence is a blow for the side, saying his injury could potentially have him sidelined for more than one week.
“Alex had a few problems in the past already, being out for two or three days at a time. He had a solid few weeks, which was good. Even after the Victory game, he didn-t really have problems, but two days later he stepped out of training,” he said.
“We took him with us to Wellington and on the Saturday, just before the game, he was ok. But during the game, he felt it again, so he is out for at least now, and maybe another week. That is something we can-t really say.”
Heart-s woes may be compounded by a fitness concern lingering over Socceroo legend John Aloisi, who has been the Club-s leading scorer this season with three goals in four starts.
“There is also a doubt about John Aloisi. He had some problems and we will have to look at that tomorrow morning. He hardly trained this week. He did very well over the last few games, but whether he will start on the field, or the bench, we don-t know yet,” he said.
