Young Socceroo Mustafa Amini has been ruled out of the opening month of the A-League season with a groin injury. The young midfielder star, who will move to German champions Borussia Dortmund next year, is expected to be out until the end of October.
Amini, who is regarded as one of Australia’s most talented young prospects, will be a central figure for the Central Coast Mariners this season after the departure of Argentini playmaker Patricio Perez.
Adrian Pellegrino is expected to take over the number 10 role while Amini is unavailable.
It is believed that Amini has been suffering osteo pubis since the under-20 FIFA World Cup in July, and hasn’t played a match since then.
It is a blow to the club and for the youngster, in what is likely to be his last season playing locally in Australia for some years.
On Wednesday, the Mariners went down 3-1 to New Zealand club Auckland City in a trial game, their first pre-season loss. The O-League champions came back from a goal down after Oliver Bozanic put the Mariners ahead.
Last Sunday the Mariners defeated Wellington Phoenix 2-0 in Tauranga, thanks to goals from Patrick Zwaanswijk and Bernie Ibini-Isei.
In the pre-season the Mariners beat Perth Glory 1-0 earlier this month in Sydney, with the only goal scored by Adrian Pellegrino. They also defeated Lake Macquarie Roosters 3-0 at Macquarie Field, notched a 1-0 victory against Illawarra Premier League Champions Dandaloo FC, beat the Bankstown Lions 3-0 and recorded a historic victory against Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic in July.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Central Coast Mariners' star striker Angel Torres has been stood down from playing in the A-League Men after he was charged with sexual assault. …
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The Mariners must deal with possibly their toughest challenge yet - Kyrgyzstan’s FK Abdysh-Ata Kant in the first leg of the semifinal.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
A good performance from Michael Ruhs, scoring twice to beat Macarthur and doubling his season goal tally in the process.
