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Wounded winger pushes for Glory recall

Perth Glory could be boosted by the return of winger Youssouf Hersi within weeks despite initial thoughts he would be sidelined with a serious hamstring injury.

Hersi hasn’t played since December and had surgery on the hamstring that he injured against Brisbane Roar.

But Glory coach Kenny Lowe said the 32-year-old was progressing well.

“He’s close. He’s clambering. He’s in my ear every single day,” Lowe said.

“He’s very close and we’ll see how that one goes in the next week or so. It’d be great to have him back. He’s a chirpy character. He’ll add a little bit of value to the team, I’m sure.

“He’s got a number of hoops and gates to jump through with his rehab but he’s into the football element now. He’s joining in with the squad so if he can get through the next few little gates and tests that the medical team have then he’s a real chance to get a few games in or some parts of games before the end of the season.”

Lowe Hersi’s return would be a boost for the Glory because the team has been winless for nine matches.

They face the Western Sydney Wanderers at home tomorrow. The Wanderers beat Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday so will be facing their second away match in just four days.

But Lowe said it was impossible to predict how the team would approach the demanding schedule.

“I’m sure they won’t change the way they play, but maybe the personnel that come over may be different to what they played with the other night,” Lowe said.

“I think the real focus is to focus on ourselves and do what we need to do to get something out of the game.”