Victory duo poised to return
Melbourne Victory are hopeful two key players will return for what could be the biggest game of their season next week.
Kevin Muscat's side are second in the A-League, four points behind Perth Glory, and will host the leaders on Sunday week.
They look likely to get both German central defender Georg Niedermeier and marquee Keisuke Honda back for that clash.
The pair aren't ready to step back in for Saturday's trip to bottom side Central Coast.
They're just being mindful of coming back a few times and having to start their recovery again.
Leigh Broxham
Japanese playmaker Honda, who has been out since injuring his hamstring ahead of last month's derby against Melbourne City, is expected to return to full training in the next few days.
Honda was able to take part in short sprints while at training this week.
Victory have only lost one of their eight games without the 32-year-old, who had started the season on fire with five goals and three assists.
Niedermeier is almost over an ankle problem, while Jai Ingham has been able to return to full training and is available for selection again.
Veteran Leigh Broxham said of the German and Honda: "They're going OK; they're just being mindful of coming back a few times and having to start their recovery again.
"They'll take their time a little bit this time ... they'll be close for next week."
James Donachie is on the point of completing a deal to return to the club after a six-month stint in Korea with Jeonnam Dragons.
And with Donachie and Niedermeier coming into contention it could mean the end of Broxham's stint alongside Thomas Deng in the heart of the defence.
"People don't view it as my spot; I'm holding the fort temporarily aren't I?" said Broxham. "It doesn't mean I'm going to give up the position for someone else, I want to play and earn a living."
Melbourne Victory are 9/4 to win the Grand Final.
Victory are 4/7 to win their first game of the season against Central Coast, who are 9/2 with the draw 3/1.
View all Soccer betting
Melbourne Victory are hopeful two key players will return for what could be the biggest game of their season next week.
Kevin Muscat's side are second in the A-League, four points behind Perth Glory, and will host the leaders on Sunday week.
They look likely to get both German central defender Georg Niedermeier and marquee Keisuke Honda back for that clash.
The pair aren't ready to step back in for Saturday's trip to bottom side Central Coast.
They're just being mindful of coming back a few times and having to start their recovery again.
Leigh Broxham
Japanese playmaker Honda, who has been out since injuring his hamstring ahead of last month's derby against Melbourne City, is expected to return to full training in the next few days.
Honda was able to take part in short sprints while at training this week.
Victory have only lost one of their eight games without the 32-year-old, who had started the season on fire with five goals and three assists.
Niedermeier is almost over an ankle problem, while Jai Ingham has been able to return to full training and is available for selection again.
Veteran Leigh Broxham said of the German and Honda: "They're going OK; they're just being mindful of coming back a few times and having to start their recovery again.
"They'll take their time a little bit this time ... they'll be close for next week."
James Donachie is on the point of completing a deal to return to the club after a six-month stint in Korea with Jeonnam Dragons.
And with Donachie and Niedermeier coming into contention it could mean the end of Broxham's stint alongside Thomas Deng in the heart of the defence.
"People don't view it as my spot; I'm holding the fort temporarily aren't I?" said Broxham. "It doesn't mean I'm going to give up the position for someone else, I want to play and earn a living."
Melbourne Victory are 9/4 to win the Grand Final.
Victory are 4/7 to win their first game of the season against Central Coast, who are 9/2 with the draw 3/1.
View all Soccer betting
Source: bet365.com
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