Adelaide United goalkeeper Paul Izzo withdraws from FFA Cup semi-final due to illness, but winger Nikola Mileusnic fit to play
A big out on the eve of Adelaide United’s FFA Cup semi-final has dented the Reds’ hopes of reaching a third-straight decider. But there has been better news on the injury front for another key man.
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Adelaide United has been dealt a blow in its bid to reach a third-straight FFA Cup final after goalkeeper Paul Izzo withdrew from the squad to face Central Coast.
But there was better news for winger Nikola Mileusnic, who passed a late fitness test to travel to Gosford ahead of Wednesday night’s knockout semi-final.
Undisputed No. 1 Izzo trained with the Reds on Monday afternoon, before falling ill overnight and pulling out of the match against his former club the next morning.
It would likely mean a start for back-up custodian and Australian youth international Daniel
Margush, who last tasted A-League action nearly two years ago.
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Back-up keeper Isaac Richards, 20, has also been drafted into the 16-player group.
Mileusnic meanwhile, had been struggling with a hamstring problem sustained in last week’s friendly win over Melbourne City.
The speedster, who scored five goals in 21 league games last summer, was put through his paces at the Playford training ground on Monday and deemed ready to return.
Fellow wide man Pacifique Niyongabire was ruled out with an ankle injury.
Newly-appointed captain Michael Jakobsen said the squad changes presented another opportunity for players to stake a claim for selection, 10 days out from the A-League opener.
The Dane predicted a tough test for the cup holder against the Mariners, who had shown vast improvement under coach Alen Stajcic since collecting last season’s wooden spoon.
“They look competitive,” said Jakobsen of Central Coast, which had reached the last four of the cup for the first time since losing to Adelaide at that stage in 2014.
“We can’t go there and think ‘this is going to be a walk in the park’.
”If we’re not up for the fight, we might struggle so it’s important we get a good start.
“The competition (for places) around the whole squad is quite good.
“Everybody wants to play and is giving their max every day.”
Jakobsen was rewarded for his consistently assured displays at the heart of defence with the skipper’s armband last week.
The five-cap international, who previously skippered Melbourne City and his country at underage level, was unfazed by inheriting the leadership role from departed great Isaias.
“There’s some big shoes to fill, but I’m happy to do it,” Jakobsen, 33, said.
“I lead by example out on the pitch — I did that as well last year and I’ll just continue doing that.
“For me it doesn’t matter who has the armband.
“It’s a responsibility everybody has to take a part of out on the pitch.
“You are rewarded more for it if everybody participates and everybody gives a bit of themselves to the team.”