A tweet from Sydney-based radio show Soccer Stoppage Time on Monday declared that McDonald had requested his immediate release from Western United - with the outlet later declaring on their Monday evening broadcast that there had been a falling out between the attacker and Rudan thanks to the latter's two-week-long absence from the team sheet.

When contacted on Monday, however, a United official dismissed the report as ‘fake news’ and multiple sources have subsequently told FTBL that McDonald had made no such request – first discovering the rumour when he discovered a bevy of text messages waiting for him requesting his status following training.

FTBL since understands that McDonald had a meeting with United officials on Tuesday morning to clear the air in the wake of the reports and has also been taking part in normal training.

Speaking to media on Thursday afternoon, Rudan elaborated on the circumstances surrounding the 36-year-old attacker.

“[As I said] post-Victory game he was out through an Achilles injury and he's been carrying that for a while,” Rudan said.

“So, he's been playing with a lot of pain, but he's been putting in a good shift for the team and in the end, we decided that was the best time [to rest him].

“And then the preparation for Brisbane was very limited - we had two tactical sessions really, we were just trying to freshen them up and we thought it was better for him just to stay behind and then get a game against [NPL Victoria side] St Albans - which he did and he scored a brace there.

“So, in terms of has he asked for a release? No, he hasn't asked for a release.

“It's quite interesting, but it's no different to anywhere else - people are going to ask these sorts of questions, they're going to throw stones at us - it's been happening from day one in different situations and areas in terms of our football club.”

The former Celtic man, though, is unlikely to feature against Western Sydney Wanderers this Friday night.

“We did an XI v XI [in training] and he's kind of feeling that pain again," said Rudan. “[He'll] probably miss [against Western Sydney Wanderers].

“He was up for selection, but he'll miss out on travelling because we are travelling today.

“But he's good as gold. He's got a fantastic attitude and he trains the house down and like anybody, he's a player that wants to play. That's my job - my job is to help them to manage everybody.”

Also looking to return from injury and force his way into the United first team is Olyroo’s captain Pasquali.

Signing with United after leaving the academy of Dutch giants Ajax, the one-time Melbourne Victory starlet has yet to feature for his new side this season after an injury-interrupted pre-season.

“He’s training, back with the squad,” the United gaffer said. “He had an ankle and then a quad and then he went to the Olyroos and got reinjured there as well.

“He’s worked really hard the last few weeks with our conditioning coach playing catch up. This week he’s been with the players and he’ll get minutes on Saturday because we’ve got a game organised against [NPL Victoria side] Altona Magic. 

“He’s looking like a different person. It’s really good to see Sebastian out there with the players now and he’s got a spring in his step and he looks good.”

One player that, thankfully for United, hasn’t struggled with injury has been captain Diamanti.

The Italian superstar has been immense since arriving in the A-League for the 2019/20 season, his deftness of touch, cocksure style and pinpoint passing clearly demonstrating his luminescent class.

However, the former West Ham man is out-of-contract at the end of the season, with, according to Rudan, uncertainty around the A-League adding to the challenges of re-signing him to another contract.

“We've got a process at the football club, we don't normally talk about that kind of thing,” he explained.

“But as far as I'm concerned, he’s a fantastic player, he's been a joy to coach and work with and I'd love for that to continue.

“But again, it's not my decision and there are so many question marks over next year with who runs the league and what the salary cap's going to be - are there going to be more foreigners?

“All these things we're hearing, it's sort of up in the air for us as well, so it's really hard to plan and we like to plan at this time of the year as well.

“So your guess is as good as mine, if things change, then everything changes basically.”

Rudan also confirmed that a foot injury to wing-back Josh Risdon, while not a season-ender, would keep him out of action until at least the new year.