Alessandro Del Piero celebrates a goal against the Jets in round one. Source: DailyTelegraph
SYDNEY FC will fly Alessandro Del Piero to Perth on Friday and give the Italian marquee until the last minute to be declared fit to face Glory the next day, in a game that could define the Sky Blues' season.
After missing the derby defeat to Western Sydney last weekend through a calf injury, The Daily Telegraph understands that Del Piero will be included in the travelling party to Perth despite the risks inherent in an five-hour flight.
With pressure mounting on the side - and on coach Frank Farina - in the wake of two losses, Del Piero's return is crucial to the Sky Blues, as Farina admitted that Sydney "lacked a creative spark" without him in attack against Western Sydney.
Del Piero suffered the calf injury half an hour into what became a 4-0 thrashing in Brisbane 12 days ago.
With just two goals scored in three games and the league's worst goal difference, Sydney need a positive result in Perth to quell unrest among their supporters.
The Sky Blues face a Glory side without injured marquee Shane Smeltz but buoyed by the 1-0 win over Melbourne Heart last weekend that marked young striker Jamie Maclaren's first goal.
Farina may have further resources to call on, with both Terry McFlynn and Brett Emerton training with the first team this week after recovering from injuries.
Emerton is the more likely to be involved after coming off the bench against Brisbane, and narrowly missing out against Western Sydney.
But McFlynn may also be pressed into service after recovering from a recurrence of a groin issue first suffered four years ago, with Farina chronically short of options in central midfield.
Rhyan Grant's torn anterior cruciate ligament has ruled him out for the season, while Peter Triantis remain weeks away from any prospective return.
Right back Pedj Bojic was expected to return against Perth but hasn't trained with the full squad this week meaning Sebastian Ryall may have to deputise again.
Meanwhile Western Sydney look set to be without Youssouf Hersi on Friday night at home to Adelaide, as the flying Dutch winger continues his recovery from a seriously bruised toe sustained in the derby.
Midfielder Aaron Mooy is expected to come back into the side after missing the derby in the wake of a concussion injury.
Meanwhile, FFA are considering shifting the Sydney derbys to a bigger venue next season and have already booked ANZ Stadium should the cross-town rivals meet in this campaign's grand final.
Last week's first clash of the season between Western Sydney and Sydney FC was a sellout, and the January 11 fixture between the two sides is certain to fill the 20,000-seater Pirtek Stadium.
A larger venue like ANZ Stadium can accommodate over 80,000 fans and A-League boss Damien de Bohun, said a switch is a possibility for next season.
30 Oct, 2013
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Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/desperate-sydney-fc-set-to-risk-flying-injured-star-alessandro-del-piero-to-perth-for-clash-with-glory/story-e6frfkp9-1226749961215?from=public_rss
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