ADELAIDE United’s in-form goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic has been ruled out of tonight’s match against Queensland Roar with a groin injury.
Galekovic injured his groin yesterday during a personalised training session with national goalkeeping coach Tony Franken in Brisbane.
“The injury doesn’t feel too bad, I just felt a strain when kicking the ball during the session with Tony,” Galekovic said.
“I will know more after the scan this afternoon but hopefully I will be ready to go on Wednesday.”
The 27 year old will have an MRI scan this afternoon but early indications are that the injury is not serious.
Nevertheless, Adelaide United Coach Aurelio Vidmar confirmed his current number one keeper would be a non starter against the Roar.
“It was just one of those things, it happens,” Vidmar said. “It’s a shame for Eugene because he has been in fantastic form but we hope he will be ok for the game in Tashkent on Wednesday.”
Vidmar will now look to 17 year old Mark Birighitti to start in goal against the Roar, the former first choice Qantas Joeys (Australian U/17) keeper set to make his first official appearance for The Reds’ senior team.
“On the other side of the coin, it will give Mark Birighitti a chance to play in his first Hyundai A-League game,” Vidmar said.
The young West Australian keeper has played in United’s opening three National Youth League matches, conceding just one goal during his time between the posts, and he says he is not nervous about debuting on the big stage against the Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
“I’m looking forward to the game tonight,” Birighitti said.
“I’m not feeling nervous at all and I hope I can do a job for the team and help them win the game.”
Prior to tonight, Galekovic had played every minute all 30 matches since he signed for The Reds midway through last season which included the club’s stretch of five games in 16 days during September.
United’s medical staff will carefully monitor Galekovic’s recovery in the coming days ahead of the Reds’ decisive match against Bunyodkor/Kuruvchi, the keeper having been a key figure in Adelaide United’s progression through the AFC Champions League and the club’s promising start to the Hyundai A-League season.
“The injury doesn’t feel too bad, I just felt a strain when kicking the ball during the session with Tony,” Galekovic said.
“I will know more after the scan this afternoon but hopefully I will be ready to go on Wednesday.”
The 27 year old will have an MRI scan this afternoon but early indications are that the injury is not serious.
Nevertheless, Adelaide United Coach Aurelio Vidmar confirmed his current number one keeper would be a non starter against the Roar.
“It was just one of those things, it happens,” Vidmar said. “It’s a shame for Eugene because he has been in fantastic form but we hope he will be ok for the game in Tashkent on Wednesday.”
Vidmar will now look to 17 year old Mark Birighitti to start in goal against the Roar, the former first choice Qantas Joeys (Australian U/17) keeper set to make his first official appearance for The Reds’ senior team.
“On the other side of the coin, it will give Mark Birighitti a chance to play in his first Hyundai A-League game,” Vidmar said.
The young West Australian keeper has played in United’s opening three National Youth League matches, conceding just one goal during his time between the posts, and he says he is not nervous about debuting on the big stage against the Roar at Suncorp Stadium.
“I’m looking forward to the game tonight,” Birighitti said.
“I’m not feeling nervous at all and I hope I can do a job for the team and help them win the game.”
Prior to tonight, Galekovic had played every minute all 30 matches since he signed for The Reds midway through last season which included the club’s stretch of five games in 16 days during September.
United’s medical staff will carefully monitor Galekovic’s recovery in the coming days ahead of the Reds’ decisive match against Bunyodkor/Kuruvchi, the keeper having been a key figure in Adelaide United’s progression through the AFC Champions League and the club’s promising start to the Hyundai A-League season.
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