Melbourne Heart FC Captain Fred has been named in an extended squad to face Adelaide United for tomorrow night’s crucial Hyundai A-League match at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Melbourne Heart FC Captain Fred has been named in an extended squad to face Adelaide United for tomorrow night-s crucial Hyundai A-League match at Hindmarsh Stadium.
The Brazilian star has missed the last fortnight of action through a hamstring strain after he was forced off early during Heart-s 1-2 loss to Perth Glory at AAMI Park during week two of the competition.
While it was initially anticipated Fred would be unavailable for selection for up to four weeks, the midfielder-s remarkable recuperative powers have placed him in contention to feature in Adelaide.
However, Fred is unlikely to immediate figure in John van ‘t Schip-s starting calculations, with the former DC United set to be eased into action.
Another player vying to return to the selection fold is Kristian Sarkies, the holding midfielder whose pre-season was interrupted by injury.
Though Sarkies is now available, he faces a battle to make the final 15 man squad, with the competition for places tight.
Meanwhile, new recruit Adrian Madaschi is in line to make his debut for the Club pending the arrival of his international transfer clearance from the FIGC, Italian football-s governing body.
The bullocking central defender is set to challenge young gun Brendan Hamill for Curtis Good-s place in the starting eleven after the 18-year-old jetted over to Malaysia ahead of the AFC U/19 Championship qualifiers.
A five-time Socceroo, Madaschi-s experience and poise provides van ‘t Schip with a safe option in the centre of defence, boasting a cultured left-foot which enables him to play the ball out of the back with ease.
Squad
1.Clint Bolton, 2.Michael Marrone, 3.Brendan Hamill, 4.Simon Colosimo, 5.Fred, 6.Matt Thompson, 7.Rutger Worm, 8.Kristian Sarkies, 9.Maycon, 10.Wayne Srhoj, 11.Alex Terra, 13.Jonatan Germano, 15.David Williams, 16.Aziz Behich, 17.Jason Hoffman, 23. Mate Dugandzic, 25.Adrian Madaschi, 30.Sebastian Mattei *two to be omitted*
In: 5.Fred, 8.Kristian Sarkies, 25.Adrian Madaschi
Out: 18. Curtis Good
Unavailable: 14.Kamal Ibrahim (Ankle – 3 Weeks), 21.Kliment Taseski (Foot Fracture – Long Term), 22.Nick Kalmar (Back – 4 Weeks)
