Squads Announced for Men's A-League Derby Between Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC
Provisional squads have been named by Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC for their men's A-League derby at Sky Stadium on Saturday. The match is part of a doubleheader featuring both women's and men's A-League games.
Injury Updates for Wellington Phoenix
The Phoenix will miss several key players:
- Tim Paine, All Whites defender, out with a broken collarbone.
- Manrekar James, defender, sidelined by a quad strain.
- Winger Hideki Ishige, unavailable due to a knee injury.
However, Lebanon international winger Ramy Najjarine is set to return to the Phoenix lineup.
Injury and Availability Updates for Auckland FC
Auckland FC captain Hiroki Sakai is expected to miss six weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Adelaide United.
Meanwhile, All Whites centre back Nando Pijnaker is anticipated to be available following his off-season ankle surgery rehabilitation. Pijnaker recently played half a match for Auckland FC's reserves.
"Provisional squads have been named by the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC ahead of their men’s A-League derby to be played at Sky Stadium on Saturday."
"Auckland FC captain Hiroki Sakai looks likely to be sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring injury suffered in last weekend’s 2-1 win against Adelaide United."
Match Details
Sky Stadium will host both matches on Saturday as part of the A-League doubleheader event.
Wellington Phoenix Squad Note
Two players from Wellington Phoenix's provisional squad will be omitted before the game.
Would you prefer the summary to be more analytical or purely factual?