Socceroo Daniel Arzani faces tough battle to regain Celtic spot
Socceroo Daniel Arzani has knocked back Melbourne City’s offer of a return home as he faces up to the daunting task of trying to regain his starting spot at Celtic.
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Socceroos winger Daniel Arzani has rejected the chance to return to Melbourne City, as he focuses on reclaiming his spot in Celtic’s first-team squad.
Arzani, who is on loan to the Scottish giants from Manchester City, wants to fight for his Celtic spot after recovering from a knee reconstruction.
However City may ask the question again, ahead of the imminent exit of homesick Uruguayan Javier Cabrera.
Former Melbourne Victory star Marco Rojas looms as a more realistic replacement for Cabrera, with the Kiwi open to an A-League return after a stint in Denmark.
The A-League transfer window is open until the end of January, and City along with Victorian rivals Western United and Melbourne Victory are all in the market for signings.
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Ex Celtic star Scott McDonald said Arzani has an uphill battle to regain his place.
“Daniel’s so unfortunate with his injury. It's double difficult for now to get into that squad, even on the bench, being realistic,” McDonald said.
“With the likes of (Mohamed) Elyounoussi there, Scott Sinclair can't even get a game. Where does Daniel fit in?
“If he’s not getting game time up til January, he needs to consider his options and get back on the grass. Take that one step back to go forward again, because he's such a good player – he needs to play.
“It’s going to hamper him long term (if he doesn’t play). He's not played much senior football in his career before even left Melbourne City. So, I wouldn't be surprised if we seen him back at Melbourne City in January (on loan).”
Graham Arnold left Arzani out of the Olyroos squad for the Tokyo 2020 qualifiers so he can focus on club football.
“Most important thing for me is that Daniel gets healthy, gets trust in his body and gets game time and starts playing – wherever that is,” Arnold said.
“If he’s not going to play at Celtic he has to think about what’s next.”
BRISBANE ROAR v MELBOURNE CITY
Suncorp Stadium, Saturday, 5pm
TAB Odds: Roar $2.90, Draw $3.60, City $2.25
DAVUTOVIC’S VERDICT: CITY 2-1
MELBOURNE City’s talented Austrian defender Richard Windbichler has been cleared to face Brisbane Roar after coming off at halftime of last week’s win.
Winger Lachlan Wales is in doubt after suffering ankle bruising after a tackle from Western United’s Sebastian Pasquali, which escaped VAR scrutiny in contrast to City defender Harrison Delbridge.
City’s application to challenge Delbridge’s red card – a harsh an unnecessary VAR intervention – failed, but Windbichler will get a chance to continue his impressive debut union with Curtis Good in central defence.
Windbichler, 28, relished his physical duel with Besart Berisha and his withdrawal unsettled City’s defensive shape.
Midfielders Rostyn Griffiths and Josh Brillante are on defensive standby in case Windbichler falls short, with City coach Erick Mombaerts considering recalling Scott Jamieson at fullback.
City younger brigade could get opportunities, with Stefan Colakovski, Moudi Najjar and yaya Dukuly all unused substitutes last week.
CENTRAL COAST v MELBOURNE VICTORY
Central Coast Stadium, Sunday, 6pm
TAB Odds: Mariners $3.60, Draw $3.60, Victory $1.95
DAVUTOVIC’S VERDICT: VICTORY 3-1
Melbourne Victory will make a late call on Ola Toivonen for Sunday’s visit to battling Central Coast Mariners.
Skipper Toivonen relished watching Victory’s dominant display last week, where Robbie Kruse inspired his teammates to a 4-0 win over Newcastle Jets, which triggered the sacking of Ernie Merrick.
Toivonen was front an centre in the pre-Christmas derby win, scoring Victory’s two goals, limping off with a groin strain before picking up his fifth booking of the season from the bench, which ruled him out last week.
The Jets win was a massive mental boost for Victory players, who’ve been far too reliant on Toivonen. But Kruse’s intelligence and pace in his place was a sight to behold in his best display of the season.
Defender Tim Hoogland will miss at least a fortnight after knee surgery on Monday.
Originally published as Socceroo Daniel Arzani faces tough battle to regain Celtic spot