Melbourne Heart FC has received a timely boost ahead of the weekend’s round of matches following the confirmation midfielders Jonatan Germano and Wayne Srhoj will be available for selection.
Melbourne Heart FC has received a timely boost ahead of the weekend-s round of matches following the confirmation midfielders Jonatan Germano and Wayne Srhoj will be available for selection.
The duo have been out of action since the New Year after suffering from hamstring and quadriceps injuries respectively, providing head coach John van ‘t Schip with a greater depth in midfield, particularly with captain Fred set to be sidelined this weekend.
Germano has been out of action since Heart-s breakthrough 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium, bringing the Argentine-s impressive campaign to a temporary halt.
Capable of playing as a holding midfielder or in an advanced role, Germano-s versatility has made him a valuable asset for van ‘t Schip, offering the Dutchman added flexibility.
After starring in the Melbourne Derby, Srhoj meanwhile has missed the last three matches, leaving a significant void in the centre of the park.
The former Young Socceroo-s superb distribution skills and vision makes him a creative threat, allowing van ‘t Schip to field Srhoj as a deep-lying playmaker.
However, it is Srhoj-s oft-ignored defensive nous which makes him an indispensible member of the Heart starting eleven, ranking him fourth in the Hyundai A-League for tackling efficiency.
With Fred injured, van ‘t Schip faces an unenviable task in filling the significant void created by his absence, given the Brazilian-s metronomic consistency and remarkable capacity to cover ground.
Germano and Srhoj-s return though will provide more than adequate relief, while Kristian Sarkies- impressive season debut performance is set to present a selection dilemma to van ‘t Schip.
Although Sarkies tired in the latter stages of the contest, his influence throughout the first half was indisputable, as his superior passing range came to the fore, allowing Heart to spread the ball across the park with relative ease.
The playing group will return to full training on Wednesday as it prepares for a gruelling schedule which sees Heart host Perth Glory, Central Coast Mariners and Brisbane Roar in a week, a potentially season defining period.
