Juninho’s injury riddled season continues, with the Sydney FC import out of the A-League minor semi-final second leg against Queensland Roar because of a knee injury.
The Brazilian, who has struggled to overcome a shoulder injury for the bulk of the season, not withstanding a leg problem, took a knock on his knee during Wednesday’s training session. An almost incredulous John Kosmina broke the news to the media.
“He wanted us to rest him and see if it would improve by tomorrow, but given the nature of the knock, he had to try it out today. It was acute, it wasn’t going to go away in 24 or 48 hours,” Kosmina said.
“Basically he needed to get on with it, and he couldn’t get through training, so he’s not playing,” Kosmina said.
Defender Mark Milligan has declared his availability, his broken nose no barrier for a final.
“The surgeon had a good look at it on Monday, knocked it around a little bit. I’m fine.
“You play with niggling injuries all the time.”
You get the feeling Kosmina would like to get that sentence translated in Portuguese and inscribed on the dressing room wall.
Sydney were happy to continue the mind games that have permeated the tie with Roar. Milligan questioned how effective Craig Moore will be, given the veteran played in Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against Qatar.
“It’ll definitely be difficult for him. It wasn’t an easy camp. He played a good sixty to seventy minutes. A two day turnaround? The second day is a lot tougher than the first day.”
Kosmina pointed his guns at Roar striker Robbie Kruse, who voiced his concerns that he will be physically attacked by the FC defenders.
“When was that age, I would’ve been scared to say something,” Kosmina said.
“All it would mean is I would paint a target on myself.”
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