Sydney FC coach Steve Corica has recalled several key players for their A-League road trip to the Brisbane Roar on Friday, including midfielder Josh Brillante after his overseas move fell through.
Brillante was left out of Sydney’s last two games because he wasn’t in the right frame of mind after there was a possibility of transferring to South Korean club Pohang Steelers.
He flew to Brisbane on Thursday along with marquee Siem De Jong and Daniel De Silva, who are both returning from injury.
Dutch defender Jop van der Linden was also promoted to the squad following Ben Warland’s season-ending knee injury.
Corica was convinced Brillante’s focus was firmly back on Sydney.
“He’s done a great job for the club over three years and we decided to let him go, but the deal fell through with Pohang,” Corcia said on Thursday.
“It was obviously disappointing for him, but great for us of course because we have a quality player here for the rest of the season.
“I’ve had a few chats with him and he’s told me he’s definitely focused now for the rest of the season.”
Dutchman De Jong hasn’t played since Jan. 23 and De Silva’s last game was a month later.
Corica acknowledged he might have to treat the duo conservatively, though he was also confident they could play 90 minutes if required.
“It’s just good to have them back, it’s an important time of year to have them back,” he said.
“There’s five [A-League] games to go and we’ve got four Champions League games and two [A-League] finals games … there’s still plenty of time for them to come back and have a really key role.”
Sydney enter the round in second spot, nine points behind ladder leaders Perth and a point clear of Melbourne Victory, who play the Glory away on Saturday.
Brisbane, who won their last match against Sydney 2-1 through two late goals, have added goalkeeper Jamie Young, Olyroos striker Nicholas D’Agostino and former Sydney striker Charles Lokolingoy to their squad.