Pitch is perfect but Roar’s woes remain
MARCO MONTEVERDE the return of Danish enforcer Thomas Kristensen all the more timely.
Kristensen (hamstring) had been on a lengthy Roar injury list that still includes Eric Bautheac (hamstring), Jade North (groin), Brett Holman (calf), Luke DeVere (knee), Michael Theo (finger) and Shannon Brady (foot).
If Kristensen, who is yet to play this season, isn’t considered fit enough to start tomorrow night, Mitchell Oxborrow looms as Caletti’s likely replacement in Brisbane’s engine room.
Caletti, 19, enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, and had started in eight of the Roar’s 10 matches this season.
His talent had made him a certain selection in the Olyroos squad for next month’s AFC under- 23 championships, but injury may not put an end to Caletti’s hopes of going to the tournament in China.
Meanwhile, the Roar are breathing a sigh of relief after the Suncorp Stadium playing surface escaped relatively unharmed from the Paul McCartney concert. There were fears the pitch may not have been up to scratch for tomorrow night’s clash after venue hosted the show last Saturday night.
But Roar football director Craig Moore inspected the pitch this week and was happy with what he saw. Only a small section needed re-laying.
The Roar-Victory game is part of a Suncorp Stadium double-header tomorrow, with Brisbane’s W-League team hosting Melbourne City from 3.30pm.