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 has moved quickly to fill the visa spot set to be vacated by Brazilian stalwart Henrique with a second Spaniard on the way to bolster their A-League squad.
Fresh off the impressive recruitment of former La Liga veteran Corona last week, the Roar has signed Spanish midfielder Javier Hervas, who has been a free agent since he was released by La Liga club Sevilla in July.
The 26-year-old made only nine appearances for Sevilla, spending most of his time with the club on loan, most recently at third-tier Sabadell.
Hervas is scheduled to land in Brisbane on Wednesday morning and will undergo a medical later in the day.
Having been out of contract for so long he is a long way from match fit, and it will be weeks before he makes an impact on the first team.
But the Spaniard adds further depth to the Roar’s midfield stocks, which needed replenishment following the losses of Luke Brattan and Adam Sarota.
Hervas rounds off Brisbane’s impressive foreign contingent for the season, which also features midfielder Corona, Costa Rican striker Jean Carlos Solorzano and German pair Jerome Polenz and Thomas Broich.
Sao Paolo-born winger Henrique, 30, will receive his Australian citizenship on Wednesday, allowing coach John Aloisi the opportunity to further strengthen his squad with another import.
Currently sidelined until at least late November as he recovers from knee surgery, Henrique has played the last six seasons with the Roar, making 118 appearances and scoring 31 goals in all competitions.
Otherwise known as ‘The Slippery Fish’, Henrique has been at the centre of several iconic moments in the short history of the Brisbane club – he scored a goal in extra time and the winning penalty in the 2010-11 A-League grand final against Central Coast, and then provided the winning goal in extra time of the 2013-14 decider against Western Sydney.
“It’s great for him and great for the club as well,” Aloisi said.
“Ricky’s been here for a long period now and it’s great for everyone involved in Brisbane Roar.”
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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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