Melbourne Heart expect captain Harry Kewell to make a world of difference to their struggling attack when he makes his A-League return against Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night.
Kewell, subbed off during the opening round with a whiplash injury, has not played since.
The Heart are on the bottom of the table, with losses in the past two rounds following two draws.
They have been scoreless in three of their four games.
Melbourne squandered a host of opportunities, particularly in the first half, in their 3-0 away loss to Brisbane Roar on Sunday.
Chief executive Scott Munn said Kewell’s return at AAMI Park on Friday night could make all the difference.
“He’ll be back this week playing against Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night,” Munn told Melbourne’s SEN radio on Monday.
“If you saw the game yesterday, there was plenty of opportunity.
“To have Harry up the front there just finishing one of them off, it would make a different world for us.”
While there had been speculation that Kewell’s injury might be more serious than the club will admit, Munn said he trained fully last week and would definitely face the Wanderers.
“How about I guarantee you he plays this week,” Munn said, when asked about the speculation.
clayts
Guest
Even bigger gamble making him captain. Still don't understand that one
Catnap
Guest
One fit player equals 10 Harry kewells
Matthew Skellett
Guest
he probably wrenched his ankle trying to pick up his tee from the 12 th hole in sight of the golf club bar window-stop it Harry -give it up -everyone is laughing at you and your shining legacy gets a little more tarnished in the process -what I've noticed is the lack of defence of your attitude or behaviour coming from either JA, Mr Munn or any / all of the players-keep it up and youll have nothing left to trade with and then what a pathetic sorry sight you'll be
Cameron
Roar Guru
Spot on! Albeit earlier than first thought.
Stevo
Guest
FFS!
Matthew Skellett
Guest
John Aloisi took a big gamble by taking Harry on and sofar he hasnt got a lot back from his investment I guess Harry better strive to produce more or fade away and be content with his past legacy :-)
clayts
Guest
Hahaha. Kewell has just been ruled out for Friday's match. Twisted ankle apparently. What a surprise
tezza
Guest
Kewell will get a bump, go off and miss another 3 weeks because he has a blister. I have lost all respect for him after this last injury fiasco.
wotdoo
Guest
Read the title and thought he had retired and was returning back to the uk. can onky live in hope. Was dissapointed to hear he was playinh golf while the team was loseing up in brisbane too
Gordon
Guest
Irony is he will be playing against the team that represents where he's from.
Midfielder
Guest
Come on Harry .... Looking at the draw this week aside from the AU V Jest match which a draw would be OK if the home sides win it will tighten up the comp if the away sides win it will create a top half and a bottom half ... with the Smurf's playing for spots with the new coach [sorry the chairmen's support was real] they could be a chance... MH V Drive Bys Nix V PG AU V Jest SFC V MV CCM V Roar
Stevo
Guest
Thanks for that and yeah, SFC at AAMI will be a test between two managers under the pump. HeartFC to steal all 3 pts and Franky to be shown the door LOL.
BC
Guest
I hope Harry plays well - not enough for Heart to take points of course (Wanderer's "tragic" here) - but the real hope is for Heart to start getting some solid results and be in the end-of-season mix. The game will only reach its true potential if the expansion teams all do well, and as the second Melbourne club in a town of fanatical sports followers they have enormous potential. Good luck Heart - I hope your season revival starts in 2 weeks!
keyless sky blues fan
Guest
Really hope Heart can get the job done and in a stylish attacking way, because in attendances its really just them and the Nux now that are dragging us back. The Heart fans deserve something to cheer about, too :(
Brick Tamlin of the Pants Party
Guest
Watched the highlights and those chances Ramsey and Misfud put wide you'd put your house on Kewell putting them in the back of the net.Kewell will only add to a pretty dangerous attacking line up for Heart.
Franko
Guest
Hope Harry can put on a show Friday night, it's what this game needs!