By Michael Ramsey
Perth Glory’s hopes of banking another home win have taken a hit with star attacker Salim Khelifi joining a growing injury list.
Khelifi has been ruled out of Tuesday night’s clash with Brisbane Roar at Macedonia Park, joining regular starters Mark Beevers, Ryan Williams and Aaron McEneff on the sidelines.
Khelifi reacts after a missed goal opportunity during the A-League Men’s match between the Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers at Macedonia Park in Perth, Friday, January 6, 2023. Credit:AAP
Beevers and Williams remain a chance to return subject to passing fitness tests.
Tunisian national Khelifi hurt his groin and limped off in the first half of Friday night’s shock 1-0 win over Western Sydney.
Bottom-placed Perth play six of their next seven games at home after having spent much of the season on the road.
But they also face a cramped schedule with both sides heading into Tuesday night’s game on a four-day turnaround.
Glory will back that up by hosting Sydney FC four days later.
“There’s a few sore bodies,” coach Ruben Zadkovich said.
“We’ve spent a lot of time doing recovery … there are a few guys who are going to have pass fitness tests tomorrow morning to see if they’re available.
“Through this period, especially with the cards we’ve been dealt with these games so close together, it’s really important that everyone’s focused and available.”
Zadkovich was proud of his young side’s performance against Western Sydney, praising rookie goalkeeper Cameron Cook who pulled off several sharp saves to earn Glory their first clean sheet of the season.
He hoped his players would take confidence from the upset win but said they would face a stern test from a Brisbane Roar side unbeaten in eight games.
“They’re probably the form team in the competition,” he said.
“I think this will be one of our toughest tests if I’m honest, especially with a quick turnaround.
“Whoever we put out, when we’re here in Perth we want to make sure that our members and our fans are represented properly and we want to make this place a real fortress which it’s been in the past.
“It’s difficult for teams to come here and we need to play a style of football that allows us to get on top and make it difficult for teams.”
Brisbane sit fifth on the A-League Men ladder with three wins, six losses and one draw.
Former Glory striker Carlo Armiento, who joined Brisbane during the off-season, looms as a threat after scoring three goals from the Roar’s past six games.
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