Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday night’s Sydney Derby clash, head coach Mark Rudan has emphasised the importance of having a full-strength squad available for the run into the end of the season.
The Red & Black recently welcomed the return of influential midfielders Jack Rodwell and James Troisi from injury with both players on the bench in last week’s match against Melbourne Victory.
“They (Rodwell and Troisi) were extremely important when I first came to the club and their performances showed that,” said Rudan.
“Obviously, we have missed them but we have given other players an opportunity to have go and they’ve certainly done that.
“The two players (Rodwell and Troisi) have worked extremely hard while they were injured but they’re back into the squad and it gives me a lot more options.
“We are a different side with those two players in the team and with the run home we need to keep everyone fit and healthy.
“They’re going to add to us there’s no question about that.
“They’re two quality players who are going to make us better.”
The match against Victory also saw the exclusion of both Tomer Hemed and Dimi Petratos from the squad which Rudan explained was down to two different reasons.
“Both of them were out last week for different reasons. One was sickness and the other was a little niggle,” explained Rudan.
“We didn’t want to take a risk, particularly playing away from home and having to travel.
“But they’ve all trained this week and they’re all up for selection.”
Rudan and the Wanderers have this week preparing for Saturday night’s Sydney Derby at Nestrata Jubilee Oval. You can get your tickets to the match here or tune in live on Channel 10.
