Perth Glory have received a major boost ahead of tonight's clash against Brisbane Roar with William Gallas set to make his long-awaited return from injury.
Perth Glory have received a major boost ahead of tonight's clash against Brisbane Roar with marquee man William Gallas set to make his long-awaited return from injury.
Gallas is likely to start from the bench at nib Stadium for the Round 15 Hyundai A-League match against the league leaders. The former French international having spent seven matches on the sideline after succumbing to a torn calf in Round 7 against the Central Coast Mariners.
The defender holds 84 international caps and made a combined 321 English Premier League appearances for Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham. The veteran will add invaluable experience to the youthful Glory squad that was today named to take on the Roar.
Prolific striker Shane Smeltz is tipped to join Gallas on the pine in his second match since overcoming an ankle injury. The Kiwi international marked his return with a late brace in last week-s 3-0 victory over Melbourne Heart.
Perth boss Kenny Lowe told media following last Friday-s encounter, that the Hyundai A-League all-time leading goal-scorer is likely to remain a substitute for at least another two games.
"We've got to drip-feed him in. The worst thing that's happened is he's banged two in and he'll be coming in and telling me he can play the whole game against Brisbane,” Lowe said.
"We've got a duty of care and a moral responsibility to make sure that when (players) come back (from injury), they can do what they can do."
Young gun Riley Woodcock has also been named in the squad to tackle Mike Mulvey-s side despite a minor ankle injury scare at training yesterday.
The purple-whites will be looking to record their fifth home win of the campaign and further consolidate their position in the top six with a win against the Roar.
It is expected that Friday night-s match at nib Stadium will see the one millionth fan for the 2013/14 Hyundai A-League season walk through the turnstiles. The milestone will see the mark reached in record time in a season that has broken numerous attendance records.