Melbourne Heart FC’s skipper Fred is raring to go as he makes his return to the side against Newcastle Jets this Saturday at AAMI Park.

Melbourne Heart FC-s skipper Fred is raring to go as he makes his return to the side against Newcastle Jets this Saturday at AAMI Park.

The Red and White-s skipper suffered a hamstring strain against Central Coast Mariners and has had to sit out the last three weeks, including losses against Western Sydney Wanderers and Adelaide United.

“It-s been difficult to watch, but I think they-ve played well. Everyone is still confident and it-s only early in the season,” Fred said.

The dynamic midfielder has ridden a bad run of luck with injury over the previous two seasons and has already spent time on the sidelines after suffering an eye injury earlier in the campaign against Perth Glory.

“I had some (injuries) last year, especially with my groins and then I had an operation, but I-m very confident the physios have done a good job. My focus now is just about getting stronger, better and playing this weekend,” Fred said.

The skipper was looking to make his return last week in the loss to Adelaide United, but was delayed by Coach John Aloisi for precautionary reasons.

“I was close, but I had a talk to John and he said it-d be better if I just held off for one more week just to be confident. They just didn-t want to take a risk so early in the season,” Fred said.

The Brazilian maestro-s sights are now firmly set on the Newcastle Jets, who are coming off a 3-0 home loss at the hands of Wellington Phoenix.

“Every team is tough when they-re coming off a loss, but we-re ready to go and looking forward to it,” Fred said.