Citing concerns surrounding COVID-19 - the virus had yet to reach its peak in Australia at the time - Mombaerts remained in Melbourne when his side travelled to New South Wales to play Central Coast Mariners and Newcastle Jets prior to the A-League's suspension. 

However, with the virus' spread increasingly contained and restrictions put in place by Federal and State Governments beginning to ease and City's remaining regular-season games against Western United, Adelaide United and Sydney FC are increasingly likely to be played in Melbourne.

And even if they're not played in Victoria, City's gaffer is now comfortable enough to declare himself a full participant. 

"Honestly, I'm not worried about this coronavirus," Mombaerts said.

"I think the situation is not so bad in Australia, we are lucky to be here. The situation is ok. You do have some cases here but it's not so bad, the situation is good in Australia.

“There's a chance we have to play our last three games at home that is good. But I think now if we have an away game I can travel. I can do this now."

That there is a season to even complete is a welcome development for both Mombaerts and his club.  

Fracitcious relations between players and owners marked the early stages of the A-League's shutdown as parties struggled to adjust to the rapidly shifting landscape and now, even with a return date announced, broadcasting details for the remaining games remain unknown. 

Numerous reports have indicated that Fox has walked away from the remaining three seasons of its broadcasting deal, although FTBL understands that negotiations to broadcast, at minimum, the remainder of the 2019/20 season remain ongoing. 

“It wasn’t easy but I was confident that we would have a chance to restart," Mombaerts reflected on Friday.

"In this situation, we can’t control it. We need to be patient and be confident with the authorities. First, the health authorities and the government because it starts like that and after the broadcast and the FFA.

"Honestly, I’m very happy that we can now play football again. That was the most important. It was a long time but I’m happy we can now play football again."

PLUS...

Pic special: City and Sydney back at training

With the A-League finally getting the green light to return to action, Melbourne City and Sydney FC dug out the seat nav to find their way back to their training grounds today - check out the pics.