Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay is confident Captain Luke Brattan will be fit to face Central Coast Mariners in Friday night’s semi-final first leg at Allianz Stadium (kick off 7.45pm).
The midfielder limped off with an ankle injury following a tackle with Bulls midfielder Jake Hollman in the 4-0 Elimination Final win last Saturday night.
However, Talay revealed the injury is progressing well.
“We are taking it day by day with Luke but the good news is there is no fracture,” he said.
“The rest has been good for him and the ankle is improving every day.
“If he continues improving at the current rate then I am optimistic he will be good to go on Friday night.”
Lolley came off the field in the same game after scoring a goal of the season contender in the 50th minute.
The Englishman appeared to injure a hamstring while scoring the goal and was withdrawn shortly after.
“Joe’s injury isn’t as positive. Unfortunately he’s looking at quite a few weeks of rehabilitation so will miss the rest of the season.
“It’s a blow as Joe has had a fantastic year but we’ve got great strength in depth, and players who have already shown they have what it takes to step in and perform in the big games.
“Now is the perfect opportunity for them to do that again.”
No further injuries were reported following the game heading into this Friday’s clash.
Sydney FC will travel to face the Premiers and AFC Cup Champions the following Saturday night (18th May – 7.45pm) at Industree Group Stadium, Gosford in the second leg for a place in the Grand Final a week later.
