The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Brisbane Roar star Thomas Broich is back training with the defending A-League champions, barely a month after having ankle surgery.
The German maestro completed an intense 90-minute session with the squad on Sunday during the competition’s three-week break for the Asian Cup.
Broich went under the knife the first week of December after injuring his ankle in the Roar’s round seven draw with Perth Glory.
They’ve only won two of their six matches without him.
“It’s great to be back training with the boys,” Broich said.
“It is a very challenging situation we are now in – we need to turn our season around and we have to be a lot better than we have been in the past.
“Everyone is just itching to get out there and work as hard as possible to get ready for the second half of the season.
“There is a lot to play for and still many games to go. We have to be ready for that and this is what the hard work now is all about.”
Broich was one of three players back from injury, with goalkeeper Michael Theo (wrist) and fullback Jack Hingert (knee) rejoining the team for training.
Midfielder George Lambadaridis (knee) is continuing conditioning work on the sidelines.
Theo broke his left wrist in pre-season training but showed no hesitation during his workout.
“I’m feeling good but there’s a lot more hard work to go. I’m up for the challenge,” Theo said.
The Roar’s first game back after the Asian Cup break is against Wellington Phoenix – to whom they lost 3-0 last round – at Suncorp Stadium on February 2.
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
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