Melbourne Heart FC captain Fred trained strongly yesterday as his bid to return to action ahead of this weekend’s clash with the Newcastle Jets gains momentum.
Melbourne Heart FC captain Fred trained strongly yesterday as his bid to return to action ahead of this weekend-s clash with the Newcastle Jets gains momentum.
The Brazilian has been sidelined since January 8 after suffering a groin strain in Heart-s 1-1 draw with Gold Coast United at Skilled Park.
While an initial diagnosis slated the midfielder for a potential six-week absence, Fred is on track to make his comeback in ample time, appearing to have avoided any potential setbacks and pitfalls.
After returning to the fold late last week, Fred has performed impressively in training, testing his troublesome groin during an intense 90 minute session to boost his hopes for selection.
The 32-year old has made 12 appearances this season, scoring once and providing three assists to emerge undoubtedly as one of Heart-s key performers.
With metronomic consistency and seemingly boundless reserves of energy, Fred-s drive and impetus through the middle of the park was integral to Heart-s stunning charge towards the top of the Hyundai A-League table late last year, proving especially troublesome for opposing sides to contain.
Fred-s likely return will provide a boost to Head Coach John van ‘t Schip as he seeks to guide Heart back to the winners list following a barren January run, which yielded just three points.
And with the Newcastle Jets next on the agenda, Heart-s task won-t get any easier, with Gary van Egmond-s side registering a 5-2 triumph over Sydney FC on Sunday.
However, there is an intriguing symmetry heading into the contest with the side from the Hunter Valley this weekend, given the two sides last meeting in October brought an end to a winless run of five games and triggered Heart-s run of seven wins from eight matches.
Van ‘t Schip will be hoping Heart and Newcastle-s forthcoming meeting bears similar results, igniting Heart-s charge towards a home final.
