City defender Michael Jakobsen has said he’s just looking forward to getting vital minutes in his legs during the final two matches of the regular season as the former Danish international looks to make his long-awaited return from injury on Friday.
Speaking to SEN1116’s World of Football program, Jakobsen explained his measured recovery time, revealing a set-back to his quad prevented him from playing in the last two matches.
After overcoming both issues during his seven-week stint of the side lines, the influential defender says minutes on the park against Adelaide and Perth is the missing piece of the puzzle heading into the all-important Finals Series.
“We had a good plan not to bring me in too early to not get a set back again and now I’m fit,” Jakobsen said.
“I need to have as many minutes in my legs as possible for me to get 90 minutes in the last two games and then this is one of the only leagues in the world where you get a second chance [in the Finals].
“I hoped in the last couple of weeks I would be back, and my calf is very good at the moment but I had a little set back with my quad and that’s why I wasn’t back as quickly as we assumed
“That is all good now and I’m training with the group again and I’m very happy so I am looking forward to be back in the squad now.
“It’s been a very frustrating period, it might have been seven or eight weeks now but it’s very frustrating to not be able to be with the squad and not do anything with the guys so I’m just looking forward to my first start and hopefully getting six points in the last two games.”
City Head Coach Michael Valkanis has said the Dane is the best defender in the league – with his side struggling to string a run of results during Jakobsen’s time on the sidelines – and his return this week has the camp upbeat heading into a tricky fixture with Adelaide.
City take on the Reds this Friday night at AAMI Park, kick-off 7.50pm. Secure your place at the match today!
