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Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic has ruled star midfielder Shinji Ono out of Sunday’s clash with Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium with the return of Youssouf Hersi still doubtful.
Ono will miss the round eight A-League fixture due to a minor groin strain while Hersi is still struggling with a long-term foot injury.
“Ono won’t play this week, he is progressing well and we are hopeful if he ticks all the boxes he will be available next week,” Popovic said at training on Friday.
“We are just pleased it is nothing serious. These things happen in football, you have to accept it and move on and we certainly believe we have enough depth in our squad. It gives someone else an opportunity and we are looking forward to seeing them play.
Hersi’s injury is more of a concern for Popovic as the Wanderers look to ease him back into their side for the first time since the round three win over Sydney FC.
“It is still a day-to-day proposition with Youssouf.” Popovic said.
“It has probably been frustrating for him and frustrating for us. He has a good day’s training with the group and then he pulls up sore. One Wednesday he trained well but today is a new day.
“We are going with how the player feels, if he is ready to go he is ready to go if not we leave it for another week.”
Popovic is keen for his side to bounce back from their first defeat of the season to Brisbane Roar in last week’s top-of-the-table clash.
“We have had a good week’s training and we have got over that defeat, we have moved on,” he said.
“We are looking forward to Wellington. It is going to be a tough match but one we are ready for.
“They are a good side, they have been unfortunate with their results but they are dangerous going forward and we have to be aware of that.
“But if we got over there and play to our potential we certainly give ourselves a chance of getting the points.”
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