Melbourne Victory gloveman Mitch Langerak sidelined with foot injury
Melbourne Victory’s bid to cement an A-League finals berth has been hit by an injury blow.
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Melbourne Victory has suffered an injury blow ahead of Friday night’s crucial A-League clash against Macarthur FC, with star goalkeeper Mitch Langerak ruled out with a foot problem.
Former Socceroos gloveman Langerak has impressed since returning to the Victory in January following a 14-year stint overseas.
However, his run of 11 successive matches has come to an injury-enforced end just two weeks away from next month’s finals series.
Langerak’s spot will be taken by Jack Duncan, who started in the Victory’s first 13 matches of the A-League season before being dropped to the bench.
Victory coach Arthur Diles had total confidence in Duncan ahead of his side’s clash with the Bulls at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.
“Jack’s not a number two (keeper),” Diles said.
“Jack’s an excellent goalkeeper, an excellent person, and he’s pushing Mitch every day.
“That’s all we can ask for.”
While Langerak has been sidelined, Socceroos midfielder Ryan Teague returns from an ankle injury in a boost for the Melbourne club following last Saturday’s 2-0 home loss to competition leaders Auckland FC.
Another defeat on Friday night could result in the Victory falling out of the top-six – depending on other results – by the end of the weekend.
“It was a shame we didn’t have (Teague) last week,” Diles said.
“He’s ready to go this week. It’s a big win for us.”
The Victory will face a desperate Macarthur, whose already slim hopes of playing finals football will end with a loss.
“Macarthur’s a good side. There are many talented footballers there, and there’s a lot at stake for them in this match as well,” Diles said.
“They’re mathematically not out of it, and they’ll do everything they can to get a result as well.
“We’ve got to be ready as a football club to do what we’ve got to do.”
Originally published as Melbourne Victory gloveman Mitch Langerak sidelined with foot injury
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