Attacking midfielder Patricio Perez is back in selection calculations after serving a controversial two-match ban for simulation following an incident against Sydney FC three weeks ago.

The Mariners prized off season recruit has been training strongly and is desperate to start on Sunday.

But Arnold is unsure what role his diminutive number 10 will play. He has several options.

With left sided midfielder Oliver Bozanic on Oyroos duty, changes in the midfield are needed. Arnold could start with Perez just behind the strikers and push veteran John Hutchinson back to play on the left.

He could also leave Hutchinson in an attacking midfield role and promote Bradley Porter from the bench, meaning Perez would be utilised off the bench.

"There's some decisions to be made about the make-up of the midfield but I won't finalise anything until Saturday," Arnold said.

"Patricio is back in calculations. He's a quality player and adds so much to the team but I don't want to rush him."

"He is up and ready to go and is very eager to play.

"Either way he'll play a big part in the game whether it be starting or coming off the bench in the second half."

Whether he starts or comes off the bench the inclusion of Perez is a huge bonus for the Mariners. The former Argentina under-20 representative was Arnold's main signing and has only played 30 minutes in six matches due to injury and the suspension.

Despite having Perez missing for so much of the campaign the Mariners are nicely placed and will only get better when he regains full match fitness.

"It's been a good, positive start but we're only six games in, there's a long way to go," Arnold said.
"We need to keep working hard, we're up against a quality side on Sunday."