Australia NewsVictory To Unleash Lopez |
MELBOURNE Victory will unleash Costa Rican duo Jose Luis Lopez and Carlos Hernandez against Perth Glory in the Pre-Season Cup on Saturday.
Victory Coach Ernie Merrick said Hernandez, who has overcome a quad injury, and Lopez, who arrived in Melbourne last weekend, are in good shape ahead of the team’s journey across the Nullarbor.Merrick said: “We wouldn’t have brought either Carlos or Jose Luis into the squad if we didn’t think (they were ready).
“Carlos is completely over his injury and Jose Luis looks like he hasn’t stopped playing after a two-week break.”
Merrick added that Lopez has settled well into his new surroundings and that the pair will both start against Perth, who recorded a 1-1 draw against the Newcastle Jets at Hyundai Stadium, Mandurah last week.
“They’re too good to leave on the bench.
“Carlos has played with Jose Luis for eight years in the national teams and they really know how each other play. ButI’m not going to take any risks.
“I can’t see Carlos or Jose Luis playing 90 minutes, or any other player that has severe fatigue or has taken a knock," said Merrick.
Merrick also confirmed that Michael Theoklitos and Mitchell Langerak will share the goalkeeping duties, while Captain Kevin Muscat has been given another week to recover from a hamstring injury.
“Michael’s going to play the first half and I want Mitch to have a run again in the second half because he needs the game time.
“It was very tempting to bring Kevin back in because he really is a major part of our team, not just as a defender but as a leader.
“Had it been a home game he would’ve played part of the game, but because it’s an away game, sitting on a plane is not good for the hamstring, but he’s virtually certain to be involved at some stage next week," he said.
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