The congested playing schedule of the 2020/21 campaign has left the Newcastle Jets down on troops, with a number of first team players sidelined due to injury.
Both captain Nigel Boogaard and Johnny Koutroumbis remain out of the team with the pair picking up injuries in the clash with Adelaide just under a month ago.
Koutroumbis has been sidelined with an MCL injury, while Boogaard suffered a fractured fibula.
“Nigel and Johnny are pushing hard in their rehab,” Coach Craig Deans said.
“Johnny is probably a little bit ahead of Nige, Nige has a fracture in his fibula, so that doesn’t heal overnight.”
While both players are back running, Koutroumbis is closer to a comeback than Boogaard.
“He’s probably a week or two ahead of Nige but look it would be good to have some options,” Deans said.
While Deans would welcome returning players to help with the congestion of fixtures, he is happy with the effort of his players.
“We’ve got what we’ve got as far as players go and the injured players will come back when their ready and I’ll back the ones we have at the moment,” he said.
Lucas Mauragis is also returning from an ankle injury and could come into the squad this weekend.
“He’s back full training for the first time this week and like I said, we have a five day turn around now, so we can put him through some decent sessions and see how he goes,” Deans said.
“He adds some energy and some running and some enthusiasm to the team, so he will definitely be a chance.”
The Jets face Macarthur FC on Sunday evening in Campbelltown.
