Smeltz back on Glory injury list
Perth Glory’s bid for an unlikely finals berth has suffered another blow, with marquee striker Shane Smeltz ruled out of action for a fortnight with a groin injury.
Smeltz was left out of an 18-man squad named today for game against Melbourne Victory at nib Stadium on Saturday.
Ryan Edwards, Riley Woodcock and Josh Risdon were promoted to the squad, which will have two players trimmed on match-day.
Doubts remain over the availability of experienced centre-backs Michael Thwaite (lower back) and William Gallas (groin, hamstring).
Smeltz was a late withdrawal from New Zealand’s international match against Japan in Tokyo last Wednesdya (March 5) due to what was described by All Whites medical staff as a “minor” groin complaint.
He started Glory’s game against Wellington Phoenix four days later, but was replaced by Jamie Maclaren at half-time.
Smeltz is Glory’s top scorer this season with four goals despite missing more than one-third of the campaign through injury.
Young Socceroos striker Maclaren is likely to replace Smeltz in the starting line-up against Victory.
