Durable Durante in line for surprise start for Phoenix

Andrew Durante’s surprising recovery from injury could culminate in an unlikely start against Brisbane Roar today.

The Wellington Phoenix captain was initially given an 8-12 week prognosis for a recovery from a groin adductor tear sustained against Sydney FC on October 15, but a consultation with a specialist in Auckland saw that timeframe heavily reduced, leading to him being named in the 18-man extended squad for today’s match at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.

Phoenix coach Darije Kalezic confirmed that was not just a symbolic gesture.

‘‘He has a chance to play tomorrow [Saturday],’’ Kalezic said before training yesterday.

‘‘The specialist gave another prognosis than what he got here and he decides together with Dura to work [towards] the game tomorrow. Today he will get the [fitness] test to see if he is 100 per cent staying behind his decision or not.

‘‘I’m waiting for the training today. If he feels good he’s going to start.

‘‘If he doesn’t feel good because of another way he will not start. It’s very simple.’’

It would be a timely return for the 35-year-old, with fellow centre back Marco Rossi set for two weeks on the sidelines with a groin injury of his own.

But it does feel a bit rushed, even if the injury was not as bad as first thought.

Kalezic said it wasn’t a case of Durante coming back too soon because of the All Whites’ looming World Cup playoff against Peru on November 11 and 16 (NZT).

‘‘His priority is Wellington Phoenix, that is his first target to play for us.’’

In any case, it wasn’t at the back where the Phoenix struggled in the 1-0 loss to Melbourne City last weekend - they dominated possession, but couldn’t get a goal.

Gui Finkler should help in the chance creation department, with the attacking midfielder expected to make his season debut after struggling with a calf injury for the first three weeks of the season.

Kalezic said he was comfortable with the situation at the attacking end and was confident they would be able to get on the scoresheet against the Roar this weekend.

As for Brisbane, Kalezic said they had dangerous players across the field.

‘‘They have a lot of experienced players, that means many players also have quality. That means also the players can be dangerous in terms of making a good move or deciding the game from nothing.’’

The Roar have included French midfielder Eric Bautheac in the squad. His move from Ligue 1 club Lille was finally completed last week after a delay in getting a visa.