Melbourne Heart FC midfielder Kristian Sarkies is the only player unavailable for selection this weekend after he was ruled out for up to a fortnight with a quadriceps strain.
Melbourne Heart FC midfielder Kristian Sarkies is the only player unavailable for selection this weekend after he was ruled out for up to a fortnight with a quadriceps strain.
Sarkies, 25, suffered the injury during training late last week, and has commenced a modified program in order to aid his return to the selection fold.
After emerging as one of Heart-s leading contributors in January, a bright moment in an otherwise underwhelming period for the Red and White, injuries have conspired to force Sarkies to the outer.
An unfortunate calf injury, sustained during the final training hit out before last month-s trip to the Hunter Valley forced Sarkies to the outer for a fortnight, before his latest setback consigned him to another enforced break.
The two-time Socceroo has netted twice this season, showing glimpses of the form which saw him earmarked by Dutch mastermind Guus Hiddink as a Socceroo stalwart of the future.
While Sarkies- unavailability is obviously a blow, Heart remain well placed to launch a genuine assault on top four place, and subsequent home final, with Head Coach John van ‘t Schip-s first choice eleven fit and firing.
Indeed, such is the depth of Heart-s squad that two-time Socceroo David Williams, and Craig Goodwin, whose stellar debut sparked a meteoric rise which has resulted in national selection, have been overlooked in recent weeks.
And given the nature of Heart-s recent performances, clinching a 1-0 win over the league leading Central Coast Mariners, and crucial away point to reigning champions Brisbane Roar, van ‘t Schip is unlikely to make many changes to his squad.
However, that is not to say Heart has reached its maximum ceiling of performance, particularly given key midfielders Fred and Matt Thompson have only recently returned to the fray.
The dynamic duo will only improve in the coming weeks as they return to full match fitness, and sharpness, a daunting proposition for rival sides, and an ominous sign Heart may soon recapture its mid-season form.
