Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van ‘t Schip has indicated Josip Skoko and Rutger Worm could return for the Melbourne Derby at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.
Melbourne Heart FC Head Coach John van ‘t Schip has indicated Josip Skoko and Rutger Worm could return for the Melbourne Derby at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.
Both Skoko and Worm were rested for Heart-s mid-week match against Gold Coast United, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
But with the Gold Coast result ensuring the Derby is a must-win game, van ‘t Schip said he may look to immediately reintroduce Skoko and Worm.
However, van ‘t Schip admitted his primary concern will be to field players at full fitness given the incredible physical intensity of the opening two Derby encounters at AAMI Park.
“Josip had a little bit of soreness after the game in Perth, he’s going okay and I hope we make use of him on Saturday,” van ‘t Schip said.
“Rutger is having a bit of a problem physically, that’s why we gave him a little rest (on Wednesday). He could be available, so hopefully he can be fit on time. If he’s able to play 90 minutes we have to see.
“We will need fit players on Saturday, you have a few you can take a little bit of a risk, but not too much because there is only three players you have available on the bench.”
Van ‘t Schip is set to finalise his squad for the cut-throat clash this afternoon, with only Eli Babaj currently unavailable for selection due to injury.