Harry Kewell won't play in the Heart's next two friendlies. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HeraldSun
MELBOURNE Heart’s veteran attacking stars Harry Kewell and Michael Mifsud will be wrapped in cotton wool a fortnight from the new A-League season.
Heart hosts Adelaide United at Epping Stadium in their final friendly against A-League opposition before round 1 but coach John Aloisi has revealed that he will rest the pair.
Kewell has already played four full games while Mifsud has endured a tough week on the track, though he is likely to miss the first two games as he’s away with Malta on international duty.
The duo will also miss Sunday’s friendly against a Peninsula Select XI but will feature in an intraclub match next Friday, the final hit-out before the October 12 derby at Etihad Stadium.
Aloisi said young duo Paulo Retre and Marcus Schroen - both on youth contracts - will play against Adelaide, although Ben Garuccio and Stefan Mauk won’t as they depart for the AFC U19 Championships with the Young Socceroos on Friday.
New Heart striker Michael Mifsud with coach John Aloisi. Picture: Josie Hayden Source: HeraldSun
"We want to freshen Harry and Michael up for the start of the season and it’s a good opportunity for some of the younger boys," Aloisi said.
"Harry’s played four 90 minute games and Michael’s been trained hard to get his fitness levels up, but he won’t be available for possibly the first two games.
"In the intraclub we’ll work on the team to face Victory. I don’t know the starting 11 yet but I’ve got a fair idea."
Italian midfielder Andrea Migliorini - signed as an injury replacement for marquee Orlando Engelaar - will play at least a half but Dutch defender Rob Wielaert doesn’t resume training until Monday as he aims to be fit for Victory.
"I’m happy with how preseason’s gone. We were unlucky to lose Orlando but Andrea has looked good and I’m very happy with the balance of the squad," he said.
"Michael is showing at training that he’s an out and out scorer, Harry is looking better each week and so are Patrick Kisnorbo and Patrick Gerhardt are looking good.
"My hunch is that Rob will be available for round one, he’s naturally very fit."
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