Melbourne Victory renews its rivalry with Adelaide United in Member Recognition Round at AAMI Park this Sunday.
With three games remaining of the regular A-League season, Steve Kean has shared the latest team news.
Our squad is in for tomorrow's clash with Adelaide United, thanks to @MetriconHomes 🏠
Three youngsters have been promoted 👀 #MVFC #Since05
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) May 22, 2021
McManaman
Winger, Callum McManaman, made his return to the squad in the midweek visit to Jubilee Stadium as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
“What our fans will see is that he’s great, but tired a little towards the end,” said the Head Coach.
“What we have to do is protect him, hence why he was substituted in the 60th minute in Sydney.
“I thought he did well and he has pulled up well.”
Steve Kean has the latest on Nick Ansell and Robbie Kruse ahead of Sunday's Member Recognition Round at @AAMIPark 💬 #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/kwhPKEbEDP
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) May 21, 2021
Velupillay
McManaman was replaced by youngster, Nishan Velupillay, who impressed on his A-League debut.
“Nishan has been great around the training ground and is well worthy of his chance to play,” said Kean.
“It’s a good opportunity to show some players, when the more senior players aren’t available or have to come off.
“Nishan has good pace and control over the ball. He can cross, he can shoot and hopefully we can give him some more minutes over the next few games.”
Congratulations to Nishan Velupillay on making his #ALeague debut in Sydney last night 👏 #MVFC #Since05 pic.twitter.com/rs022NELqS
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) May 19, 2021
Kruse
Robbie Kruse missed Wednesday night’s 2-0 loss away to Sydney FC, after picking up an ankle injury against Macarthur FC.
Kean confirmed that Kruse has been assessed and the injury is not as bad as first feared.
“Good news on Robbie. He had an MRI scan which showed no ligament damage, but we wanted to make sure, so he had a CT scan which gives more detail on bone.
“We’re now dealing with stretched ligaments, so it’s a hyperextension of his ankle from where he slid along the ground.
“There’s no main damage to any bones or disruption to any tendons,” Kean said.
Day 6️⃣ of our Member Recognition Round giveaways!
Register below for your chance to win one of twelve signed player corflutes ✍️ #MVFC #Since05
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) May 22, 2021
Member Recognition Round
Kean has also acknowledged Victory’s Members ahead of Sunday’s match.
“The fans have stuck with us and we want to reward them,” he said.
“I know the club is putting a lot of things on behind the scenes and I hope they can come down and support us because we really respect what they’ve done.”
“They’ve stayed with us through a tough time,” Kean said.
Membership holders can redeem their free tickets here.