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Adelaide United are set to gamble on the fitness of goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic in the biggest match by an Australian soccer club.
Galekovic is desperate to play before a world audience in the opening match of the two-legged Asian Champions League (ACL) final against Japan’s Gamba Osaka.
The final is the culmination of Adelaide’s fairytale Asian adventure, an achievement Reds coach Aurelio Vidmar likens to Australia making the World Cup.
Adelaide has toppled a string of cashed up opponents in territories previously unknown by Australian clubs.
The journey started in March this year, after Adelaide and Melbourne Victory entered in the tournament courtesy of their 2007 A-League grand final.
Adelaide was ranked outsiders to advance through the group stage, just one of 28 clubs from 14 countries eyeing the trophy and $1.6m winner’s cheque.
But playing in China, Vietnam and Korea, Adelaide logged four wins, two draws and no losses to top the group.
United progressed to the quarter-finals and upset rich Japanese champions Kashima Antlers, with Galekovic’s heroics in goal a massive factor.
Adelaide, which has a $1.9m salary cap, then eclipsed Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor, who has Brazilian great Rivaldo on a contract worth more a season than United’s entire pay bill.
Galekovic injured a groin in Tashkent on October 22 and hasn’t played since.
The `keeper also has yet to kick left foot since the injury, but a club spokesman said today he was “likely” to play in Osaka tomorrow night.
Galekovic and teammates Diego, Paul Reid and Fabian Barbiero all missed Adelaide’s domestic A-League loss to Melbourne Victory last Friday.
Brazilian import Diego (hamstring) is expected to feature in Japan while Barbiero (groin) and Reid (groin) are also trying to prove their fitness.
Galekovic’s return is crucial against J-League giants Gamba Osaka, who have an attacking bent which in their semi-final netted three goals in 21 minutes to triumph over defending ACL champions, fellow Japanese club Urawa Red Diamonds.
United trained today at Osaka’s Expo 70 Commemorative Stadium ahead of tomorrow’s 8.30pm ACDT kick-off.
The return leg will be held at a sold-out Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide next Wednesday.
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