Fit Kruse key to Victory's ACL hopes

Posted May 10, 2011 15:09:00

Melbourne Victory are putting their faith in the recovery powers of Robbie Kruse, admitting they are in trouble if the star striker fails to get through Wednesday night's do-or-die Asian Champions League match.

The Victory must beat Jeju United in South Korea, in what is their final group match, and need China's Tianjin Teda to notch a simultaneous away win over Japan's Gamba Osaka to reach the knock-out stage.

But injury and suspension have robbed Melbourne of attacking depth for what is defensive stalwart and long-time skipper Kevin Muscat's last match.

Isaka Cernak, who was his side's best in their most recent match, against Gamba, is out suspended.

And Tommy Pondeljak and Marvin Angulo are both missing through illness, with Pondeljak having had an adverse reaction to dental medication.

Kruse returns after missing the Gamba match through suspension, but is also on the comeback from ankle and heel injuries.

He made it through training in Jeju on Tuesday and Melbourne's caretaker coach Mehmet Durakovic is relying on Kruse to play the entire match.

"I hope so, I really do, because we haven't really got anybody on the bench, they're all youngsters," Durakovic said.

"We've only got really (midfielders) Billy (Celeski) and (Grant Brebner) and they haven't played for a while, so I hope he lasts the whole game."

Goalkeeper Tando Velaphi had also been in doubt with an ankle injury, but was passed fit at training.

With both Victory and Jeju needing a win, Durakovic predicted an entertaining, attacking contest.

He says Muscat's last appearance will add an emotional charge for Melbourne, as it did in his last home match, when Victory were unfortunate to only manage a 1-1 draw against Gamba.

"Hopefully we'll have a bit more luck this week and get the three points, because we need them," Durakovic said.

The match is also a chance for the caretaker coach to continue to press his chances for the permanent job.

While very much a long-shot, former Victory youth coach Durakovic has been impressive in keeping Victory's hopes of ACL progression alive until their final round-robin match, given he replaced Ernie Merrick after a 5-1 thrashing from Osaka in the first group encounter.

- AAP

Tags: sport, football, aleague, melbourne-3000, south-korea

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