Melbourne Heart FC’s John Aloisi is set to be in contention to make his long-awaited return to the Hyundai A-League next week.
Melbourne Heart FC-s John Aloisi is set to be in contention to make his long-awaited return to the Hyundai A-League next week.
The Socceroo legend has undergone an extensive conditioning program to ensure he is at peak fitness after recovering from a leg injury suffered while playing for Sydney FC.
And after successfully taking part in a practice match last week, Aloisi said he is eagerly anticipating his eventual return to first team football.
However, Aloisi concedes his comeback is dependent on how he recovers following a final hit-out on Monday.
“I’m dying to get on the pitch. I won’t get out there this week, I’ve got another friendly game next week and if I pull up alright then I should be hopefully involved in the following game. I’m feeling good, I’m feeling better and better each day,” he said.
“I had a chat with John van ‘t Schip and the medical staff and they think it-s best to go another week. Have one more friendly game and try and get 90 minutes under my belt.”
With the current campaign set to be Aloisi-s last before transitioning to a coaching role with Heart-s inaugural youth side, the former La Liga star admitted he was becoming frustrated sitting on the sidelines.
“It-s been tough because, this is going to be my last season and you just want to be out there playing and trying your best and doing well for the new team. I’ve worked really hard in the off-season, I’m doing the rehab, they’ve been brilliant here the medical staff and getting back to full fitness,” he said.
Aloisi though doesn-t expect to immediately contend for selection in the starting eleven, conceding he will need to build match fitness through a series of cameo appearances.
“Hopefully I’m in the squad, coming in off the bench a few times and see how it goes. (The long season) helps, it helps not only myself, it helps the team as well,” he said.
“If the team doesn’t do so well at the beginning, we’ve got time to recover. We haven-t had the best of starts points wise, but I think we’ve improved.”
