Gallas aims for first full game
Marquee defender William Gallas is targeting a full 90 minutes for the first time since returning from injury when Perth Glory host Melbourne Victory at nib Stadium on Friday night.
Gallas has made just four appearances for Glory since signing a lucrative contract in November and is yet to see out a full game.
The former English Premier League star spent seven weeks on the sidelines with a torn right calf muscle before returning two weeks ago and managed nearly 78 minutes in the defeat to Western Sydney last week.
Gallas has been doing extra fitness work away from the main group at training and said he felt ready to play 90 minutes this week.
“I played almost 80 minutes last Sunday and it was good, so slowly, slowly I start to be fit and for the next game I will be ready to play the 90 minutes,” Gallas said.
“I have to build my fitness because I was injured for (more than) one month and because I’m 36 years old I have to do a little bit more to come back very quick.
“Before the players come on the pitch I’m already there to do my stuff, my little work, to be ready for the training with them.”
Gallas said the time he spent on the sidelines had been frustrating.
“All the players are always frustrated when they can’t play because it is our passion to play football, to be on the pitch and to enjoy football,” Gallas said.
“It was not easy but it was very important for me to be passionate and I tried to settle very well in Australia.
“Now everything is behind me so now I’m just enjoying myself with my teammates and that is the most important thing.”
Serbian recruit Nebojsa Marinkovic could make his first start for Glory this week after making his debut off the bench against Western Sydney.
Rostyn Griffiths is available after receiving his international clearance, while Glory also expect Lithuanian international Darvydas Sernas to be cleared in time for Friday’s game.
ENDS
