Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchell could be forced into some last-minute adjustments to his side for Sunday’s clash against Queensland with Nick Rizzo facing a battle against time to be fit.
Perth Glory coach Dave Mitchell could be forced into some last-minute adjustments to his side for Sunday’s clash against Queensland with Nick Rizzo facing a battle against time to be fit.
The skillful left winger appeared to be struggling with a groin injury during training on Friday, with Mitchell admitting Rizzo’s absence might mean some tinkering with side’s structure.
The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for 29-year-old Rizzo with the former Liverpool and Crystal Palace player starting the Glory-s last two matches and appeared to be consolidating his position in the side following a run with injuries.
“He (Rizzo) looks like he could be out,” admitted Mitchell on Friday.
“But we just got to re-adjust and see what we’re going to do now, who can replace him and what formation we’re gong to go with.”
The Glory have been hit with injuries to key personnel including former Socceroos defender Hayden Foxe and Brazilian midfielder Amaral out of the clash against the Roar. Mitchell suggested Rizzo’s absence could see defender David Tarka return to the side quicker than expected.
Tarka has overcome a quad injury but was expected to be eased back into action with match time in the Glory’s National Youth League side.
If Tarka is fast tracked into the side he could take up position on the left side of defence with Naum Sekulovski pushing up to fill Rizzo-s spot on the left side of midfield.
After a shaky start to the season Glory-s defensive structure has settled and been a significant part of the club-s recent strong form and will need to be on alert against Queensland’s counter-attacking style.
“Look I think we’ve got a bit of depth and that’s going to be tested to the full now,” Mitchell said.
“But the boys that are coming in, we’ll have a look and see, the next month is so crucial.
“We’re looking further ahead to next season as well with recruiting and players, so it’s a chance for the players who haven’t been playing regularly and we-ll see if they take it or not.”
Mitchell also wished Queensland skipper Craig Moore a speedy recovery after the veteran defender underwent surgery for testicular cancer. Moore was back training this week and while he wasn-t named in the Roar side there are whispers he could be a shock last-minute addition to the side.
No matter who takes the pitch on Sunday, Perth will have confidence that their recent solid form at home can help catapult them to their first win away this season.
