Sydney FC’s worst fears have been realised following confirmation that Sky Blues talisman Joe Lolley’s A-League finals campaign is over.
In a huge blow to Sydney’s title chances, star winger Lolley won’t play again this season due to a hamstring tendon injury he suffered when scoring in his side’s 4-0 elimination final weekend thrashing of Macarthur FC.
The 31-year-old Englishman was substituted immediately after scoring his goal, and was a dejected figure as he contemplated the severity of the injury and its ramifications.
“Unfortunately he’s looking at quite a few weeks of rehabilitation so he will miss the rest of the season,” Sky Blues coach Ufuk Talay confirmed on Tuesday.
In better news for Sydney, Talay was ”optimistic” that captain Luke Brattan would be fit for his side’s semi-final first-leg clash against Central Coast Mariners at Allianz Stadium on Friday night.
Midfielder Brattan injured his ankle in the closing stages of the win over Macarthur.
“We are taking it day by day with Luke but the good news is there is no fracture,” Talay said.
“The rest has been good for him and the ankle is improving every day.
“If he continues improving at the current rate then I am optimistic he will be good to go on Friday night.”
Talay challenged his side to rise in the absence of Lolley.
“It’s a blow as Joe has had a fantastic year but we’ve got great strength in depth, and players who have already shown they have what it takes to step in and perform in the big games,” he said.
“Now is the perfect opportunity for them to do that again.”