Joe Lolley Nears Sydney FC Return Ahead of Crucial Clash with Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Sydney FC is set to face Japanese giants Sanfrecce Hiroshima in a crucial AFC Champions League match, but the Sky Blues are still waiting for the return of two key attacking players. Both Joe Lolley and Douglas Costa remain sidelined, though Lolley’s recovery seems to be progressing, and he’s edging closer to making his long-awaited return.
Despite being close to full fitness, Lolley will not be included in the squad for Thursday’s clash against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Coach Ufuk Talay explained that while Lolley was almost ready to feature, the team is being cautious with his recovery. The focus is now on the next home game against Macarthur FC in the A-League, which is just three days away. Talay stressed the importance of not rushing Lolley back into action before he is fully fit.
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Douglas Costa, on the other hand, is still dealing with a hamstring injury and won’t be available for selection just yet. Costa’s injury occurred two weeks ago in Japan, during the first of two AFC Champions League group-stage matches between Sydney FC and Hiroshima, a match the Sky Blues lost 2-1.
With Sydney currently sitting second in Group E, three points behind Hiroshima, the stakes are high. The top two teams will progress to the knockout stages, and Talay is keen to secure all three points in Thursday's match to ensure Sydney’s position remains strong in the group. Despite Hiroshima’s formidable position in both the Champions League and their domestic J1 League, Talay believes they won’t field a weaker team, even if they make changes to rest key players. The Japanese club has the depth to still pose a serious threat.
While the focus for Sydney FC isn’t on "revenge" for the earlier loss in Japan, Talay emphasized the need to get the three points. He believes his team performed admirably despite the loss in Hiroshima and is eager to build on that performance at home.
Talay also hinted at the inclusion of rising star Adrian Segecic in the starting lineup, while Jaiden Kucharski, the super-sub who scored the dramatic winner against Brisbane Roar, is expected to feature from the bench once again. Kucharski's ability to make an impact late in games has earned him a vital role as an energetic spark for Sydney FC.
As Sydney FC gears up for this important clash, the return of Joe Lolley could provide the missing ingredient in the attack, potentially boosting the team as they aim for a strong finish in the group stage of the AFC Champions League.
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