Injured Wanderers star Juan Mata desperate to play in derby against Sydney FC

With the Sydney derby taking place on Saturday night, a hamstring injury has come at the wrong time for A-League drawcard Juan Mata.

Juan Mata is clinging on to the slim hope he will be available for Saturday night’s Sydney derby despite the likelihood that a hamstring injury will sideline Wanderers’ Spanish star.

The former Manchester United and Chelsea midfielder was forced off early in Western Sydney’s 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar last Friday at SuncorpStadium, with hamstring scans having since shown there is “something there”.

“I was hoping there would be nothing in the scan, but the scan was not clear, so I’m taking every day as it comes and see how I feel for the weekend,” Mata said on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s battle at Allianz Stadium against Sydney FC.

“I’m feeling better every day, so let’s see ... but a hamstring (injury) is never good news.

“If I end up not playing, it’s a pity because this is a very nice game to play, and hopefully a good game for us. The atmosphere is going to be so good.”

Wanderers star Juan Mata hopes to overcome a hamstring injury in time for Saturday’s Sydney derby. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

After starting in only two of Western Sydney’s first nine games of the season, 36-year-old Mata has enjoyed more game time since early last month, with his class becoming increasingly obvious.

“No injuries come at a good time, but it’s true that for the last five or six weeks, I have been feeling very good. playing more minutes, and happier because I have been able to contribute more on the pitch, which is what I love and why I came here, so it’s a pity (to be injured) because it’s a good moment,” he said.

“I was playing regularly and I was looking forward to this game. Maybe I can still make it, and if not, I’ll try to be back as soon as possible because there are not so many games left now, and we have a clear objective of making it to the playoffs, and I hope to contribute to the team to help us do that.

“My aim, wherever I go, is to try to win trophies.”

The Wanderers are currently eighth on the A-League ladder, three points adrift of fifth-placed Sydney but having a game in hand on their arch-rivals.

Sydney FC star Douglas Costa shows his skills at Bondi Beach ahead of Saturday night’s derby at Allianz Stadium. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Sydney’s marquee man Douglas Costa has also been troubled with a hamstring injury but returned in a late cameo off the bench in the Sky Blues’ 4-1 disposal of Adelaide United last Saturday.

“I’m really happy to be back at the right time,” Brazilian star Costa said.

“I don't think I’ll start but I’ll be there to play my minutes and try to help my team once again.

“I hope to be fit for the rest of the season, not only the derby, and I want to bring some happiness to the supporters and our club.”

Originally published as Injured Wanderers star Juan Mata desperate to play in derby against Sydney FC