Sydney FC talisman Joe Lolley sidelined with ‘minor’ hamstring injury
English winger Joe Lolley’s hamstring twinge could result in him missing two A-League games, with Sydney FC prioritising long-term success over short-term gains.
Sydney FC star Joe Lolley will be kept in cotton wool, possibly until the Sky Blues’ battle with fellow heavyweights Auckland FC on December 27, to ensure a “minor” hamstring issue doesn’t become a major problem.
As expected, Lolley won’t fly to Perth for Sydney’s game against the Glory on Saturday after being forced off late in his top-of-the-table side’s 2-1 win over Central Coast last weekend.
Sydney coach Ufuk Talay on Thursday confirmed that scans on the English winger’s hamstring showed that there was “something there”.
“We’re very fortunate that it’s something minor and it’s not a longer injury,” Talay said.
“He’ll miss this week. Unfortunately for us, it’s a big loss. Joey’s an important player for us, but I’d rather him miss one game where we don’t have to (risk him missing) five weeks.”
Talay was hopeful Lolley would be fit to play against Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday week.
However, the Sydney boss won’t hesitate giving Lolley more time to recover if there is still doubt about his fitness next week.
“He’ll be doing his rehab program this week, and he’ll do some modified stuff leading into the Newcastle game and the aim is to get him into being involved with the Newcastle game,” Talay said.
“Otherwise, if he’s not involved with that, then we’ll be pushing towards Auckland (on December 27 at Leichhardt Oval) to make it safe.
“No player wants to sit out, but he understands. He wants to feel good when he goes on to the park, to be able to execute what he wants to do.
“At this present time, he’s feeling something in his hamstring, and I don’t think he’s going to be able to do it at 100 per cent.”
Talay was confident Sydney could cope without Lolley, the A-League’s standout player this season.
“Opportunities arise from these moments for players that were on the fringe or on the bench to get game time,” he said.
“We’ll have to adapt to not having Joe on the park, but these are opportunities for other players to step up.”
Among the contenders to replace Lolley in Sydney’s starting team is former Western United winger Abel Walatee, who has had to be content with seven A-League appearances off the bench since joining the Sky Blues.
“Abel might have an opportunity to come in. We’re thinking about tweaking the formation a little bit … so we’re tinkering with it.
“I have a good idea what it looks like, but you’ll see it on Saturday night.”
Originally published as Sydney FC talisman Joe Lolley sidelined with ‘minor’ hamstring injury
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