An avalanche of goals but still some clean sheets to end the season: The A-League players who were the difference in Round 26
Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
Melbourne City are breathing a sigh of relief after star striker Ross McCormack was cleared of a season-ending knee injury – but the Scotsman still may have played his last game in the A-League.
It was feared McCormack had ruptured his ACL after he was forced off in the first half of Friday night’s 3-1 defeat to Sydney FC.
However, it’s understood scans on Sunday confirmed there was no damage to that ligament.
McCormack still requires further medical assessment to determine the full extent of the injury but it represents just about the best news he and the club could have hoped for.
The 31-year-old, who is on loan from Aston Villa, has scored seven of City’s 14 goals so far this season.
He is attempting to rebuild his career in Australia after a lean run in the English Championship and an eight-month injury layoff would have put his professional future in grave doubt.
McCormack is also a vitally important player to City’s cause following the recent departure of Tim Cahill, which made him the only fit and available striker at the club.
But the former Rangers, Leeds United and Fulman frontman’s loan contract is due to expire in January while Bruno Fornaroli – whose injury in pre-season allowed City to sign McCormack on a short-term deal – is around six weeks away from making his return from a broken ankle.
City were believed to be looking at extending McCormack’s stint in Melbourne but it remains to be seen whether that will happen, with the full diagnosis of the injury likely to determine what happens.
Cahill’s exit was likely to trigger January transfer window activity for City anyway but it will be even more important to replenish the team’s attacking stocks if McCormack is out for an extended period.
Third-placed City take on crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory on Saturday night at AAMI Park.
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Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
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