A-League: Victory’s James Troisi back for Phoenix visit

Melbourne Victory attacker James Troisi has made a rapid recovery to be in contention to play against Phoenix tonight.

Melbourne Victory’s James Troisi has bounced back after his broken collarbone.

Melbourne Victory attacker James Troisi has made a remarkable recovery from a broken collarbone to be in contention to play against Wellington Phoenix at Etihad Stadium tonight.

While coach Kevin Muscat is unlikely to take too much of a risk by starting the Socceroo, Troisi appears certain to get some game time off the bench as the Victorians look to bounce back from Tuesday night’s controversial FFA Cup semi-final loss to Melbourne City.

Troisi missed that match as well as the past two A-League games, having undergone surgery after he was injured in the opening match of the season against Brisbane Roar on October 7.

He was expected be sidelined for at least four weeks, but has healed exceptionally quickly and has been training hard in the lead-up to tonight’s game.

The news is not so good for Victory captain Carl Valeri, who is struggling because of the heavy workload. The inspirational midfielder has a tight hamstring and will be rested.

“Carl is a bit sore with a tight hammy as he has had a tough workload over the past 10 days or so. He will miss out,” Muscat said. “Rashid Mahazi did very well on Tuesday night and he is in contention to replace Carl.

“The good thing is that James is now available but whether he starts or not we will wait and see. I’d say it is unlikely but he will be on the bench so he will get some game time.

“Whatever happens, I have a few options.”

Victory will go into the game looking to break a poor run of results at home. Stretching back to last season, they have managed just one win at home in their past seven matches. However, Muscat does not see it as an issue.

“It is a statistic so it is a fact, but it does not add more weight to the occasion. I don't pay too much attention to it,” he said.

“I didn't realise it until you guys brought it up now. It is irrelevant because statistics won't determine the outcome of this game or how the team performs.

“The thing is, this is a good occasion. This fixture is building ... (Melbourne) Cup eve ... the fans and members really look forward to it, as we do.”

Muscat was quick to hit back at suggestions his team were lacking creativity in attack.

Is it a fair or legitimate criticism?

“Well, we have scored in every game so far this season, so you might want to attach that to the argument,” he said.

“Of course, we want to be a bit more aggressive in the front third, but it is an accumulation of things.

“We have got to be better in retaining the ball and I can see improvement in that area. We need to give more opportunities to get into the front third.

“But if you look back on this fixture you'll see there is usually plenty of excitement and chances and I think you’ll see that again tomorrow.”

Victory will come up against a Phoenix side desperate to get off the bottom of the table. The Kiwis have suffered three losses, but have deserved a much better return for their efforts.

They were extremely unlucky against Sydney FC last week, creating plenty of chances in the opening 45 minutes and had several efforts disallowed before the Sky Blues turned it around in the second half and struck with a last-gasp winner.

It remains a mystery, though, how Phoenix remain the only side not to have a scored a goal this season given they boast an attack that includes Gui Finkler, Michael McGlinchey, Roy Krishna and Kosta Barbarousas.