Melbourne Heart FC is likely to be without the services of club captain Fred this weekend after the midfielder re-injured his troublesome left groin muscle yesterday.
Melbourne Heart FC is likely to be without the services of club captain Fred this weekend after the midfielder re-injured his troublesome left groin muscle yesterday.
The 32-year-old was substituted late in the first half of Heart-s 1-1 draw with Gold Coast United, aggravating the groin complaint which saw him miss the Club-s midweek Adelaide United clash.
While Fred will undergo further assessment by the Club-s medical staff today, head coach John van ‘t Schip says the Brazilian is unlikely to feature against Perth Glory this weekend.
“We have to have a better look at it but it’s the same problem. He will be out longer now, this time, for a few weeks,” he said.
Responding to suggestions Heart may have rushed Fred back into the action too hastily, van ‘t Schip revealed plans were initially afoot for the former DC United star to feature against Adelaide after he appeared to make a rapid recovery.
However, van ‘t Schip, in conjunction with the Club-s medical staff, ultimately opted to err on the side of caution and provide Fred with a few added days of recovery before recalling him for yesterday-s match.
Van ‘t Schip added Fred had a significant input in the decision to rejoin the squad, saying he was confident he had overcome the injury.
“We had plans of maybe playing him on Wednesday and we had good talks with the doctors,” he said.
“Fred himself, a professional at 32, said that he felt OK and that’s very important as well.”
“He trained and had no problems at all, but maybe we did rush him in – after the game you can always say that.”
