It is a bold move – given a tough stretch of games over the next three weeks, as they visit Western United, host the third domestic derby and then have a potential top of the table clash with Adelaide United.
Key defender Dan Hall has been out since mid-December after breaking his ankle in a training incident. Fellow first-choice centre-back Nando Pijnaker joined him on the sideline after an ankle sprain in the 2-1 win over Macarthur FC on February 1, which saw him leave the field midway through the first half.
Hall is slated to return in about a month – with the club targeting the Newcastle game on March 9.
Pijnaker was initially expected to be out for three to four weeks, though Corica claimed he was an outside chance to feature this Saturday against Western United.
The All Whites’ defender trained in isolation on Tuesday, with a series of running drills to test out the foot.
“He will be travelling,” said Corica. “We will give him an opportunity to train on Friday and if he is fit for Friday he will play.”
If Pijnaker doesn’t make the cut, Corica said captain Hiroki Sakai would likely move into a central role – as he has done earlier this season – with Callan Elliott then used on the right.
Corica admitted that they are hopeful Pijnaker can return ahead of schedule to help them through the period before Hall is back in the frame.
“Hopefully we can get through these three weeks and then Dan comes back into the squad and adds some quality to the team,” said Corica.
But regardless, Corica is backing his alternative options, pointing out that Sakai has experience centrally, while they also have former Western Springs AFC defender Adama Coulibaly.
“If we really have to we will throw in Adama and give him an opportunity,” said Corica of the 20-year-old. “We are happy where we are.”
Still the prospect of games without both Hall and Pijnaker will be a test, as the club have less depth there than other positions.
“Correct, it’s tough,” said fullback Francis de Vries, when asked about the challenge for the back four.
“I mean, this happens to every team almost every season – injuries happen and rotation happens, but the players who have slotted in have done fantastic.”
The squad had an intense session on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s challenge, with the shock 4-0 loss suffered at the hands of Western United in December still fresh in the minds.
“That was the game we really got thumped,” admitted Corica.
“We weren’t ourselves that day and we have to be a lot better if we want to beat them over there.”
