A-League: Hobart to host Western United and Sydney FC
Former football loose defender Alex Wilkinson is set to make a much-anticipated return to Sydney FC’s squad desperate to stop leaking goals.
The Sky Blues skipper traveled to Tasmania for Sydney’s clash with Western United at the North Hobart Oval on Saturday, making his first A-League appearance since suffering a pelvic injury in the 3-2 opener loss to Melbourne Victory. I am planning to attend. October 8th.
In Wilkinson’s absence, the Sydneysiders struggled defensively this season, allowing 21 goals in 12 games.
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“We know we conceded too many goals,” said the 38-year-old centre-back.
“This is something the whole team is working on.”
Wilkinson is desperate to play again after being out for more than three months.
“Rehab can be very lonely at times. You’re alone and doing a lot of things on your own with just physio – I’m really excited to be involved again,” he said.
“The physiotherapist and the medical department have done a great job of rehabilitating me and getting me back into a space where I can join the team again.
Wilkinson asserted that the Sky Blues, who have lost six of their 12 games this season, can “finish the season on a high note.”
“With the guys in the group, I’m sure we can turn that around,” he said.
Western United also have defensive problems heading into Saturday, with the reigning champions conceding an average of two goals per game this season.
United’s defense has also suffered from the suspension of centre-back Jacob Tratt, who was sent off in a 1-1 draw with the Newcastle Jets in Ballarat last Sunday.
However, United’s attack will be bolstered by the availability of former footballer James Troisi, who is due to return from injury.
United, who have scored just 12 points in 12 games, have played their home games in Tasmania the past two seasons, but are playing at Launceston instead of Hobart.
Sydney’s Wilkinson also previously played for Launceston with the Central Coast Mariners, but had never played in the Tasmanian capital.
“It’s nice to go out there and spread the game,” he said.
“They want to put the team there at some stage in the A-League, so I hope many supporters will be able to watch the game and support the A-League.”
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https://www.theaustralian.com.au/breaking-news/defensive-rock-alex-wilkinson-set-for-first-aleague-appearance-in-more-than-three-months/news-story/4c68dc3c03b820fe5799f4e52e51ec8f A-League: Hobart to host Western United and Sydney FC
