Sydney FC’s superstar midfielder Luke Brattan has revealed how his weight plummeted 4kgs in one week but he was still able to get out bed and lead the Sky Blues to victory over Central Coast Mariners.
Brattan is fully recovered ahead of Saturday’s clash with Brisbane Roar but he described how his previous visit to Allianz Stadium wasn’t quite as straight forward.
“The Mariners game was tough because I was in bed all week,” said the four-time Championship winner.
“I was in a bit of a bad place, I got Covid and then not long after got influenza as well, so my chest took a bit of a beating.
“My weight dropped by 4kg but I got out of bed on Friday, went for a jog and I was alright.”
Miraculously the 32-year old was able to power through 37 minutes in the second half against the Mariners and was instrumental helping overturn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win.
However even that took its toll on the father of two.
“I didn’t expect to play as long as I did in that game and struggled a bit after it physically,” he continued. “But I hate missing games and I hate not playing.
“I’m trying to get back to eating normally, my proportions still aren’t where they should be but I’m getting back on track.
READ MORE: MONDAY STORY – LUKE BRATTAN
“I played 90 on the weekend and we got the three points.”
The Sky Blues return to Allianz Stadium on Saturday (5pm kick off) looking for a fourth win in a row after a run which has seen the Sky Blues catapulted into fifth, just three points from second place.
“The last three games mean nothing if we don’t back up and beat Brisbane,” he said.
“We know what to expect but the main thing is that mentally we’re in the right place, and hopefully in front of our home fans we can put on a good show and continue the winning streak.”
20 year old striker Pat Wood is set to replace Adam Le Fondre who has a hamstring injury injury.
Brattan believes the youngster has the goals in him to win the game.
“He’s a fantastic young player. He’s proven that he can score goals and it’s just about him being confident and being prepared for the weekend.
“It’s a big opportunity now Alfie is out so he’s got to take it on and as a team, we’ve got to get around him and help out as much as we can.”
