Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold believes Melbourne City can win A-League title withstanding injuries

SYDNEY FC coach Graham Arnold says injuries could be the only thing standing between Melbourne City and an A-League title this season.

SYDNEY FC coach Graham Arnold said injuries could be the only thing standing between Melbourne City and an A-League title this season.

Arnold revealed that Ali Abbas looks set to return for Saturday’s clash with Newcastle Jets after almost a year out after a knee reconstruction, but reiterated his desire to dabble in the January transfer window after Saturday’s 2-2- draw.

A frustrated Arnold said City, who lost gun trio Aaron Mooy, Erik Paartalu and Ivan Franjic just before kick-off, had the potential to give it a shake this season.

“The only thing that stops them from going close to winning it is their injuries. They’ve got a lot of quality,’’ Arnold said.

“I don’t know what they do but they get a lot of injuries. Ever since Melbourne Heart and Melbourne City have been here they’ve had a horrendous amount of injuries.

“They’re the benchmark off the field, they’re spending well, they’ve got great assistance from Manchester City, they’ve got a great future.

“It was two points thrown away (by us). If it was a boxing match it would’ve been all over after 10 minutes.

“They couldn’t get rhythm. Chance after chance after chance, (Thomas) Sorensen made some saves, that’s football.

“I was very happy with the performance tonight (Saturday), just (lacked) the killer instinct in front of goal.’’

Arnold declared that he would persist with teen George Blackwood, who was lively but missed a host of chances in just his third start for Sydney FC, though he did play a part in Milos Ninkovic’s first goal.

Abbas would play for the youth team on Sunday and come into the side next week with Olyroos trio Alex Gersbach, Andrew Hoole and Brandon O’Neill departing.

“It’s a learning experience, the kid did exceptionally well. He was up against a current and a former international in Aaron Hughes and Patrick Kisnorbo,’’ he said.

“He’s had a bit of bad luck in front of goal, even last season, and that’s the first time he’s played as a number nine.

Graham Arnold and John Van't Schip chat before kick-off. Picture: Colleen Petch.

“Of course (I’ll persist). I like Australian kids, this week and last week would almost be the youngest team Sydney FC’s put out.

“Abbas is ready to go. We’ve waited for him, I’ve had to hold him back but he’ll play another 90 minutes in the youth team and he’ll go from there.’’

Arnold turned Sydney’s season around last January when he signed Jacques Faty and Mickael Tavares, and he pledged to do similar.

“That’s what the transfer window’s there for. Some players are not happy they’re not playing, some players I’m not happy with,’’ Arnold said.

“We’ve got one spot open and a bit of money left in the cap.

“I’m happy with where we’re at, we’re in a better position than last year. We’re six points off top spot (21 points), this time last year we had four points less and leaders Perth had more than 30 points.’’

Originally published as Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold believes Melbourne City can win A-League title withstanding injuries