Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay has named Joel King in the extended squad for Sydney FC’s clash against Melbourne City at Allianz Stadium this Saturday evening (5.30pm).
King sustained a foot injury against Brisbane Roar a month and a half ago and has undergone rehabilitation, before returning to full training with the team in the past two weeks.
He explained that he feels ready to get on the pitch and that it’s taken a lot of hard work to get to where he is now.
“I’m feeling really excited. I’ve spent seven weeks out, so to be back in the squad is exciting, and my foot feels good.
“I feel really confident with it [the foot] now, so hopefully I can contribute to the team this weekend.
“I want to contribute as much as every other player has been doing for the last few weeks. I want to focus on myself and hopefully do my role as far as possible,” he said.
King will return for the Sky Blues and will face fellow Socceroos players Jamie Maclaren, Matthew Leckie and Marco Tilio.
A victory for the Sky Blues will see them jump within two points of second-placed side Central Coast Mariners and extend their unbeaten streak to six matches.
“It’s going to be a huge game [against Melbourne City]. They have a lot of attacking threats, so it will be a tough gig to keep them all quiet.
“It’s going to be tough, but I have no doubts that we are capable of getting the three points,” he explained.
King has missed Sydney FC’s past six Isuzu UTE A-League fixtures, where the team has only lost once.
He spoke about his experience of sitting on the sidelines and watching his teammates catch his eye, saying:
“It’s been really enjoyable watching the team from a different perspective, and I hope that we can continue this good form.
“It’s disappointing sitting on the other side of the fence because I am a footballer, and I love my job and being involved in the game.
“Zac [De Jesus] and Jordan [Courtney-Perkins] have done a good job. It’s been really exciting to see [Jordan] step up. I know he’s got a goal of being in the Olyroos squad in a few weeks, so it’s been really good to see him hitting form.”
The 23-year-old defender realised he is unlikely to slot immediately into his old position following Jordan Courtney-Perkins and Zac De Jesus’ recent efforts.
“I need to step up my own game because there’s a lot of competition, and I definitely can’t expect to walk back into the team because it’s not really my spot anymore.
“If anything, it’s up to me to earn that spot back”, he exclaimed.
King will also return to the pitch with a new hairstyle, a close replica of David Beckham’s 2000’s iconic buzz cut.
“For maybe a few months, Rhyan Grant, Pat Wood and Jordan [Courtney-Perkins] have been on my back about changing my hairstyle.
“I finally gave in to it and don’t mind it. I don’t know whether I can have the David Beckham quality, but I can always try to replicate him,” he said.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Melbourne City
Isuzu UTE A-League Round 18
Saturday 24th March 2024
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 5:30pm AEDT
Gates Open: 4:30pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Bold
Tickets: Click Here
Matchday Partner: Under Armour
