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The Queensland Roar’s depleted defensive stocks face a massive challenge against Adelaide United on Sunday with skipper Craig Moore in doubt with a knee injury.
Preparing for his first match of the season after serving a one-match suspension incurred in the pre-season, Moore limped from the training paddock this morning after jarring his knee.
The incident looked innocuous, but the 32-year-old defender hobbled back the sheds and did not return to complete the session.
“I think he’s just jarred his knee,” coach Frank Farina said soon after.
“We’ll see how he wakes up tomorrow morning, but he may be doubtful for Sunday.”
The possible loss of the Roar’s marquee player is made worse by the unavailability of his replacement in the side last week, youngster Luke De Vere.
The 18-year-old impressed in the 1-1 draw with Wellington, but is this week in camp with the national under 20s squad.
“It’s disappointing obviously with both Luke away and if Craig does miss it,” Farina admitted.
“We’re getting ahead of ourselves here, but even if Craig does miss Sunday we’ll still have cover.”
Ben Griffin is the likely replacement, with the 22-year-old to play alongside Josh McCloughan in the central defensive role.
“We’ve got Benny Griffin who’s been around for a number of years, he’s played a lot of games as well, so we’re quite confident if Benny comes in he can do a good job,” McCloughan said.
Thirty-two-year-old McCloughan, who sits third on list for most A-League appearances for the Roar, said he would be confident in taking a leadership role at the back in Moore’s absence.
“I’m quite happy with that, I’ve had many years there now,” he said.
“As far as the team we’ve got around us with Teets (Danny Tiatto) and Hyuk-Su (Seo) on the left and right, we’ve got a lot of experience around that backline, as well as in the team in general.
“I’m quite confident either way if Moorey plays or not that we can do the job.”
Midfielder Massimo Murdocca is also in some doubt for the clash with the Reds at Suncorp Stadium, suffering from a virus he picked up in New Zealand last weekend when the team played Wellington.
“It was very cold and we thought we’d be lucky to get out without anyone falling ill,” Farina said.
“Massimo’s … trained just half a session today, but hopefully – he’s on antibiotics at the moment – he should be okay for Sunday.”
Moore in doubt for Roar
By Drew Cratchley
BRISBANE, Aug 22 AAP – The Queensland Roar’s depleted defensive stocks face a massive challenge against Adelaide United on Sunday with skipper Craig Moore in doubt with a knee injury.
Preparing for his first match of the season after serving a one-match suspension incurred in the pre-season, Moore limped from the training paddock this morning after jarring his knee.
The incident looked innocuous, but the 32-year-old defender hobbled back the sheds and did not return to complete the session.
“I think he’s just jarred his knee,” coach Frank Farina said soon after.
“We’ll see how he wakes up tomorrow morning, but he may be doubtful for Sunday.”
The possible loss of the Roar’s marquee player is made worse by the unavailability of his replacement in the side last week, youngster Luke De Vere.
The 18-year-old impressed in the 1-1 draw with Wellington, but is this week in camp with the national under 20s squad.
“It’s disappointing obviously with both Luke away and if Craig does miss it,” Farina admitted.
“We’re getting ahead of ourselves here, but even if Craig does miss Sunday we’ll still have cover.”
Ben Griffin is the likely replacement, with the 22-year-old to play alongside Josh McCloughan in the central defensive role.
“We’ve got Benny Griffin who’s been around for a number of years, he’s played a lot of games as well, so we’re quite confident if Benny comes in he can do a good job,” McCloughan said.
Thirty-two-year-old McCloughan, who sits third on list for most A-League appearances for the Roar, said he would be confident in taking a leadership role at the back in Moore’s absence.
“I’m quite happy with that, I’ve had many years there now,” he said.
“As far as the team we’ve got around us with Teets (Danny Tiatto) and Hyuk-Su (Seo) on the left and right, we’ve got a lot of experience around that backline, as well as in the team in general.
“I’m quite confident either way if Moorey plays or not that we can do the job.”
Midfielder Massimo Murdocca is also in some doubt for the clash with the Reds at Suncorp Stadium, suffering from a virus he picked up in New Zealand last weekend when the team played Wellington.
“It was very cold and we thought we’d be lucky to get out without anyone falling ill,” Farina said.
“Massimo’s … trained just half a session today, but hopefully – he’s on antibiotics at the moment – he should be okay for Sunday.”
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