Former Socceroos defender Alex Wilkinson is about to make his long-awaited return for a Sydney FC aspect determined to cease leaking objectives.
The Sky Blues skipper has travelled to Tasmania for Sydney’s conflict on Saturday in opposition to Western United at North Hobart Oval and is anticipated to make his first A-League look since struggling a pelvic damage in his aspect’s season-opening 3-2 loss to Melbourne Victory on October 8.
In Wilkinson’s absence, the Sydneysiders have struggled defensively, conceding 21 objectives in 12 video games this season.
“We know that we’ve been conceding too many goals,” the 38-year-old centre-back mentioned.
“That’s something as a whole squad that we’re working on.”
Wilkinson is determined to play once more after greater than three months on the sidelines.
“Rehab can be pretty lonely at times. You’re by yourself a lot and doing a lot of things on your own just with the physio – I’m really excited to be back involved,” he mentioned.
“The physios and the medical department have done a great job of rehabbing me and getting me back to a space where I can be back involved in the squad. Hopefully, I can stay involved for the rest of the season.”
Wilkinson was adamant the Sky Blues – who’ve misplaced six of their 12 matches this season – might “finish the season with a bang”.
“I’m more than confident we can turn it around with the players we’ve got in the group,” he mentioned.
Western United additionally has defensive points heading into Saturday, with the reigning champions conceding a median of two objectives per sport this season.
United’s defensive shares have additionally suffered by means of the suspension of centre-back Jacob Tratt, who was despatched off in his aspect’s 1-1 draw with the Newcastle Jets in Ballarat final Sunday.
However, United’s assault might be bolstered by the supply of ex-Socceroo James Troisi, who is about to return from damage.
United, which has picked up simply 12 factors from 12 video games in what has been an unconvincing title defence, has performed house matches in Tasmania for the previous two seasons however in Launceston slightly than Hobart.
Sydney’s Wilkinson additionally beforehand performed in Launceston throughout his time with the Central Coast Mariners however by no means in Tasmania’s capital metropolis.
“It’ll be nice to get down there and spread the game,” he mentioned.
“They’d love to have a team down there at some stage in the A-League, so hopefully a lot of supporters can come out to watch the game and support the A-League.”
Originally revealed as Defensive rock Alex Wilkinson set for first A-League look in additional than three months
