Argentine star Jonatan Germano has been ruled out of the Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park on Friday night after failing to recover in time from injury.
Argentine star Jonatan Germano has been ruled out of the Melbourne Derby at AAMI Park on Friday night after failing to recover in time from injury.
Germano suffered a hamstring strain during Heart-s 2-1 triumph over the Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium, and was initially ruled out for a fortnight.
After making substantial progress, it was hoped Germano may recover in time to face Heart-s cross town rivals in arguably the most highly anticipated match of the Hyundai A-League season to date, but the midfielder failed to successfully complete training today.
The 23-year-old-s absence will ensure Wayne Srhoj retains his place in the starting eleven, following a strong performance against former side Perth Glory at nib Stadium last weekend.
With Germano-s injury, Heart-s injury list currently stands at three, with Nick Kalmar and Kliment Taseski set to be unavailable well into the New Year.
After featuring in the opening two matches of the campaign, Kalmar-s hopes of playing a pivotal role in Head Coach John van ‘t Schip-s side were cruelled after he suffered a back injury.
The complaint will force Kalmar to the sidelines for at least another four weeks, with a return to the Hyundai A-League likely to place via the National Youth League.
Taseski meanwhile remains a long term proposition, and is set to return to the training track by the end of January after fracturing his foot during a practice match for Heart Youth.
