Melbourne City is currently in preparations for the final match of a run of three fixtures in eight days, set to conclude with a clash against Wellington Phoenix on Easter Monday.
Rado Vidosic’s squad comes into Monday off the back of a midweek Derby win, securing the three points on Wednesday night in the replayed fixture from December.
As he did in the original fixture, Aiden O’Neill found the back of the net, earning a 2-1 win for City.
It’s a mixed bag of news at the selection table for City ahead of the Wellington match-up, with a key in but also a key out.
Skipper Scott Jamieson will miss the fixture through suspension following a second yellow card against Newcastle last Sunday, with Football Australia deeming him eligible for Wednesday’s Derby, ruling it a started but not completed fixture from before his sending-off.
The good news is Portuguese defender Nuno Reis is set to return after he was missing from the matchday squad during the week after picking up a minor groin injury against the Jets.
While unavailable for selection on Monday, returns are also nearing for Richard van der Venne and Mathew Leckie.
van der Venne has been progressing well and will be assessed during the week to determine whether he’ll be ready to return for our trip to Central Coast to take on the Mariners on Saturday.
Leckie is also back in training with the team and is on track to return to the squad in the next couple of weeks.
ALM Round 23 Squad
1. Tom GLOVER (GK), 2. Scott GALLOWAY, 4. Nuno REIS, 6. Thomas LAM, 9. Jamie MACLAREN, 10. Florin BERENGUER, 13. Aiden O’NEILL, 14. Valon BERISHA, 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 18. Jordon HALL, 22. Curtis GOOD, 23. Marco TILIO, 25. Callum TALBOT, 35. Raphael BORGES RODRIGUES, 36. Kerrin STOKES, 37. Max CAPUTO, 38. Jordan BOS, 40. James NIEUWENHUIZEN (GK), 43. Sebastian ESPOSITO, 50. Emile PEIOS.
In: 4. Nuno REIS (returns from injury) 43. Sebastian ESPOSITO (promoted), 50. Emile PEIOS (promoted).
Out: 3. Scott JAMIESON (suspension)
Unavailable: 3. Scott JAMIESON (suspension), 7. Mathew LECKIE (hamstring), 8. Richard VAN DER VENNE (calf), 34. Arion SULEMANI (ACL).
