Phoenix remain hopeful of playoffs despite injuries

Can the Wellington Phoenix still make the top six and play finals football in the A-League for a third season in a row?

The answer is yes, but they’re getting to the point where coach Ufuk Talay is using the word ‘‘mathematically’’, and they’re going to have to begin their run from 10th on the ladder without one of their most dangerous players.

As of Monday night’s loss to Melbourne City, defenders Steven Taylor, Liam McGing, and Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi, midfielder Matt Ridenton and forward Reno Piscopo were all nursing injuries of one kind or another.

Talay said yesterday that Taylor would likely be fit enough to be on the bench today, when they host Western United, as would Ridenton, but McGing, HudsonWihongi, and Piscopo would remain absent.

Piscopo has been one of the Phoenix’s more consistent performers this season, but his calf injury could keep him out for at least three more matches after today.

‘‘We’re not too sure, but we might be looking at the start of May,’’ Talay said.