Squads Named for Men's A-League Derby Between Phoenix and Auckland FC
Provisional squads have been announced by the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC ahead of their men's A-League derby at Sky Stadium on Saturday. The fixture is part of a double header featuring both women's and men's A-League matches.
Injuries and Team Updates
Both teams are coping with injuries to key players ahead of the match.
- The Phoenix will be without All Whites defender Tim Paine due to a broken collarbone.
- Defender Manrekar James is sidelined with a quad strain.
- Winger Hideki Ishige is out with a knee injury.
- Lebanon international winger Ramy Najjarine returns to the Phoenix squad.
Auckland FC faces its own challenges with captain Hiroki Sakai likely to be out for six weeks following a hamstring injury sustained during last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Adelaide United.
However, All Whites centre back Nando Pijnaker is expected to return after recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Pijnaker recently played half a match for Auckland FC’s reserves as part of his rehabilitation.
Main Venue
Sky Stadium will host both the women’s and men’s A-League games on Saturday.
"Provisional squads have been named by the Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC ahead of their men’s A-League derby to be played at Sky Stadium on Saturday."
"Auckland FC captain Hiroki Sakai looks likely to be sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring injury suffered in last weekend’s 2-1 win against Adelaide United."
Wellington Phoenix Squad Note
The Wellington Phoenix squad currently includes more players than will take the field, with two players to be omitted before the game.
READ MORE: Experts analyze who will have the advantage in the men’s A-League derby.