Kruse, Brebs eye Jets

Melbourne striker Robbie Kruse is on track to return for Saturday’s Hyundai A-League clash against the Newcastle Jets at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

With a new ownership structure confirmed for the Jets, the game is assured of going ahead and Kruse, who has been battling a calf injury and has missed the past three matches, will be happy to get his chance to get back on the pitch.

Assistant coach Aaron Healey said Kruse will be given every chance to prove his fitness during the week but is on track for a return.

“We’re feeling pretty refreshed after the three games in six days. Injury-wise Robbie Kruse is looking good, but we won-t make a call on him until Friday. We’ll give him one more session and see how he pulls up,” he said.

Melbourne’s two injury concerns from the 0-0 draw with North Queensland last Saturday, Grant Brebner (foot) and Rody Vargas (ankle) are also in the running for a trip to Newcastle on the weekend.

“Grant Brebner, who had an unfamliar injury, he’ll have a fitness test tomorrow just to see if he’s up and running, they are the two that are maybes,” Healey said.

“Brebs has a foot injury, he should be fine, but we want to test it out, make sure he’s right. We may even take an extended squad up to Newcastle. The same for Robbie. He trained today and did reasonably well. We’ll just see how he goes.”

Vargas is almost certain to play after shrugging off the effects of a heavy knock against the Fury.

“Rody Vargas is a definite. He got a bad tackle from behind, it could have been nasty, but it’s not as bad as first thought, so he’s fine to play,” he said.

Healey expects it to be another tough match at EnergyAustralia Stadium, where Victory have endured some big losses.

“It-s a difficult place to go and play, they have been playing reasonably well. Getting some good results, we-re under no illusions that we are going to have to play some decent football up there,” he said.