Squads Named for Men's A-League Derby Between Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC
Provisional squads have been announced by Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC ahead of their men's A-League derby scheduled at Sky Stadium on Saturday. The match is part of a double header featuring both women's and men's A-League games.
Injury Updates and Player Availability
Both teams are dealing with injuries to key players prior to the derby. Wellington Phoenix will be without:
- All Whites defender Tim Paine (broken collarbone)
- Defender Manrekar James (quad strain)
- Winger Hideki Ishige (knee injury)
However, the Phoenix will welcome back Lebanon international winger Ramy Najjarine to their roster.
Auckland FC's captain Hiroki Sakai is expected to miss six weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained in the previous weekend’s 2-1 victory over Adelaide United. On a positive note, Auckland FC anticipates the return of All Whites centre back Nando Pijnaker after recovering from ankle surgery sustained during the off-season. Pijnaker played half a game for Auckland FC’s reserves last weekend.
"The Phoenix will be without All Whites defender Tim Paine (broken collarbone), defender Manrekar James (quad strain) and winger Hideki Ishige (knee). Returning to the Phoenix roster will be Lebanon international winger Ramy Najjarine."
"Auckland FC captain Hiroki Sakai looks likely to be sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring injury... Auckland FC expect to have All Whites centre back Nando Pijnaker available after his rehabilitation following ankle surgery."
Match Venue
Sky Stadium will host two games on Saturday as part of the women's and men's A-League double header.
Wellington Phoenix Provisional Squad Note
Two players from Wellington Phoenix’s provisional squad will be omitted before the game.
Author's summary: Ahead of their A-League derby at Sky Stadium, both Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC face injury challenges but anticipate key player returns, setting the stage for a competitive double-header event.