D’Agostino’s injury to test Roar depth
INJURIES continue to hit the struggling Roar, with Nick D’Agostino set to be ruled out of Brisbane’s clash with Adelaide United tomorrow due to an ankle problem.
Attacking weapon D’Agostino was yesterday named in an extended 18man Roar squad for the match at Coopers Stadium, however it’s understood he won’t travel to Adelaide.
The former Australian under-17 representative missed Brisbane’s 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory on December 17 with the same injury but returned four days later, starting in the side than went down 2-1 to Perth Glory at Suncorp Stadium.
But he’s now set to be again sidelined for at least a match and is likely to be fitted with a moon boot today.
The Roar’s list of unavailable players remains extensive, with D’Agostino joining goalkeeper Michael Theo (finger), defender Daniel Bowles (hamstring), playmaker Brett Holman (calf), centre-back Jade North (groin), midfielder Joe Caletti (foot), French winger Eric Bautheac (hamstring), utility Ivan Franjic (quad) and the suspended ex-Greek international Avraam Papadopoulos on the sidelines. It’s a situation that frustrates Roar captain Matt McKay.
“You could say there’s more than a million dollars, in terms of salaries, worth of talent that’s out,” he said.
“It’s not ideal at any club, let alone one that I love so much.”
D’Agostino’s absence could lead to teenage prodigy Rahmat Akbari starting his first A-League match.
Another option to replace D’Agostino is Corey Gameiro, who has made four appearances off the bench this season with the Roar taking a cautious approach to the former Melbourne City forward’s comeback from a third knee reconstruction.
McKay said rather than the emphasis being on the players who were unavailable, it should be on those on the park.
“It’s also about what players you have,” he said.
“It’s disappointing for any player when they get an injury; it’s disappointing for fans; it’s disappointing for coaches, but the guys that go out there know everything we’ve been doing at training and know how to play the game because they wouldn’t be at our club if they didn’t know how to play.
“That’s the joy of football. It gives everyone a chance and we’re looking forward to Saturday whoever we have on the park.”
Adelaide, currently fourth on the A-League leader, also named an extended 18-man squad for the match, with key pair Johan Absalonsen and Ersan Gülüm returning from injury and suspension.
IT’S NOT IDEAL AT ANY CLUB, LET ALONE ONE THAT I LOVE ... MATT McKAY