Nix midfielder ruled out of first game

Wellington Phoenix have been dealt an injury blow on the eve of the new A-league season.

Coach Ufuk Talay has confirmed midfielder Reno Piscopo will miss the opening game against reigning champions Sydney FC in Wollongong on Saturday night after picking up a calf injury in pre-season.

Although the injury is only minor, Talay is taking no risks with one of his most exciting young prospects and has already ruled the skilful Australian under-23 international out of contention for selection.

He said Piscopo could also miss the Phoenix’s second game against newcomers Macarthur FC on January 9 but should be back for their third game against Newcastle Jets on January 24.

‘‘He possibly might miss the first two games but it’s good that we have that break on the weekend of the 16th-17th, and hopefully he’ll be available for game three,’’ Talay said.

One of the Phoenix’s newbies will likely slot into the advanced midfield role in Piscopo’s absence, with Clayton Lewis and Mirza Muratovic in contention to make their competitive debuts for the club against the Sky Blues.

Lewis, a 15-cap All White, has never played in the A-league, while Muratovic made seven appearances for Brisbane Roar last season.

The Phoenix were originally scheduled to begin the season away to Brisbane tonight but the game was postponed after Queensland closed its border to travellers from New South Wales following the reemergence of Covid-19 in Sydney’s northern beaches.