Melbourne City coach Aurelio Vidmar says Mathew Leckie is fit enough to start in Saturday’s do-or-die finals affair against Auckland FC but is still considering whether to play the Socceroos stalwart from the opening whistle at Go Media Stadium.
After a long lay-off following hip surgery, Leckie has appeared in three successive City games off the bench, increasing his time on the field with each appearance.
And Vidmar confirmed on Friday that the 35-year-old veteran’s game time would again increase this weekend but would not commit to Leckie starting in the A-League elimination final.
“He’s definitely going to have more minutes than he has in the last couple of weeks,” Vidmar said.
“He’s feeling much better because he’s been able to increase his game time, and that was always the plan.
“Whether he starts (on Saturday) is another question. He’s looking quite well in training this week.”
However, while Leckie will take part this weekend, another City star – playmaker Daniel Arzani – hasn’t made the trip to New Zealand, as he remains sidelined with a hamstring injury he suffered in his team’s 2-0 win over Wellington on April 12.
“Daniel was pretty keen (to play),” Vidmar said.
“The medical advice suggested it’s probably a week too soon, so if we get the right result then, obviously, there’s a different discussion next week.”
The reigning champions’ hopes of remaining alive beyond this weekend could be boosted by an ankle injury affecting star Auckland striker Sam Cosgrove, the joint winner of this season’s Golden Boot.
Auckland coach Steve Corica has confirmed that Englishman Cosgrove will carry ruptured ankle ligaments into the contest.
“He’ll try to train (on Friday), and then we’ll make a decision whether he starts or maybe comes off the bench,” former Sydney FC boss Corica said.
“Obviously it’s something we have to see with him, where his head’s at, and if he can last 90 minutes.
“He’s focused, (and) he’s ready. He wants to be available at some part of the game, whether it’s off the bench or starting.”
Vidmar said City would prepare Cosgrove – who has scored 11 goals this season – was starting.
“We’re planning for him to play. Whether he does, we’ll find out 90 minutes before the game,” the City coach said.
“It’s the same every week. We always prepare for guys that we think are going to play, and there are always one or two last-minute changes that we haven’t planned for, but you have to adapt.”
