Western Sydney are set to be boosted by the return of creative linchpin Milos Ninkovic for their A-League Men clash with the Central Coast Mariners.
The Serbian international, who gained Australian citizenship earlier this week, has been sidelined for the last six games due to injury.
In that time the Wanderers have won just once without the former Sydney FC playmaker.
Thankfully for head coach Marko Rudan, the lack of victories has not affected their standing on the table.
The Wanderers can leapfrog the Mariners into second place with a win on Saturday, with Rudan bullish about the impact Ninkovic could have on his side’s fortunes.
“I think Ninko is ready now,” Rudan said.
“He’s very creative with the ball, his leadership, and just having him around the group gives everyone else a lot of confidence.
“Whether he starts or not is a different matter – that’s a conversation that he and I will have.
“He’s a big chance of being there, that’s for sure. I’ve been ultra cautious with him because there are so many games to go.”
Rudan said his captain Marcelo had been given a lighter training week after coming off with an adductor injury in last week’s draw with Newcastle.
The Wanderers boss claimed the Brazilian defender should be good to face the Mariners, while star striker Kusini Yengi was “touch and go” for the trip to Gosford.
Rudan said his side would take the trip north free from the burden of expectation due to the fact that the Mariners are the competition’s best scorers with the strongest home record.
“There is no real pressure on us, because we are the away team,” Rudan said.
“They’re the team that is flying and we’re not, so it’s good for us.
“We’re grinding things out because our players are ready and I’m really positive about the run-in.
“I’m really looking forward to the back end of the season and that’s kind of where you want to play your best football as well.”
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