Over the past month, Melbourne Victory’s coaching and fitness staff have had to adapt and innovate the way they train and communicate with the players.
The players have been working through their individual training programs from home with the assistance of equipment and regular check-ins with the football staff.
One positive to come out of the current pause to the Hyundai A-League season is the club’s list is currently in good shape.
Injured players Robbie Kruse (hamstring), Adama Traore (hamstring) and Jay Barnett (lower leg) have all had time to work through their individual rehabilitation programs.
Victory’s Head Physiotherapist, Justin Dougherty, praised the trio for their professionalism.
“Robbie, Jay and Adama have all been working tirelessly throughout this self-isolation period,” Dougherty said.
“Given the self-isolation restrictions, we have had to be creative in managing these three players from afar.
“Each player was set up with both a rehabilitation program combining targeted exercises along with running and conditioning programs.”
“We have been staying in touch with Robbie, Adama and Jay regularly via phone calls and teleconferences to make sure they can perform their programs as best as possible.
“Despite the adversity we are all facing, the players have been very diligent with their rehabilitation and we expect all three players will be re-joining the main playing group when training resumes.”
An announcement regarding the 2019/20 Hyundai A-League season is expected from Football Federation Australia this week.
