Perth Glory will likely be without a number of key players when they go head-to-head with the Western Sydney Wanderers in the FFA Cup on August 7.
Preseason training officially started six weeks ago but injuries and extended holidays mean that Tony Popovic’s starting line up will be very different to the one which ended the 2018/19 season.
Chris Ikonomidis (shoulder), Dino Djulbic (ACL), Alex Grant (abdomen) and Dane Ingham (foot) are all either rehabbing injuries or working their way back to full fitness.
Diego Castro and Juande are also doubtful for the last 32 encounter, with the former only recently returning to Perth while the latter has been in Spain for the birth of his child.
Central defender Matthew Spiranovic’s future is still up in the air; the Socceroo joined Glory on a one-year contract in 2018 and has yet to pen a deal for the upcoming campaign.
Perhaps the most intriguing absentee is striker Andy Keogh who has yet to be included by Popovic and is currently training on his own away from the club’s facilities.
The former Republic of Ireland international was granted extended leave to be the best man at his brother’s wedding in Europe and consequently missed the recent friendly against Manchester United at Optus Stadium.
Keogh, who was the club’s leading scorer last season with 15 goals, reported for training on July 14 but the club has yet to put him through the mandatory medical screening that must be completed before a ball is kicked.
By contrast, players who arrived in Perth after Keogh have been medically signed off and are training as normal.
Eyebrows were raised when the 33-year-old was dropped for the A-League Grand Final which Glory ultimately lost to Sydney FC on penalties in May.
Despite interest from other A-League clubs, Keogh agreed a new deal to remain in Perth for another year and he will become an Australian citizen in the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, Glory are believed to be trialling a left-sided Asian player as they look to replace Jason Davidson who departed for Korean giants Ulsan Hyundai last month.
New recruits Bruno Fornaroli, Jacob Tratt and Nick D’Agostino should all feature against the Wanderers, and Popovic could again give game time to his sons Kristian and Gabriel following their cameo appearances against Manchester United.
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