Big loss: Striker Tomi Juric has racked up three goals for the Wanderers already this season. Photo: Getty Images
Western Sydney Wanderers could be dealt a huge blow before Saturday night's clash against Melbourne Victory with Tomi Juric set to be ruled out with a knee injury.
The in-form striker has lit up the league this season with his finishing, netting three goals and looming as a bolter for the Socceroos' World Cup squad.
However, his progress has been halted by a knee injury sustained during the 1-0 win over Melbourne Heart at AAMI Park on Friday.
He is facing at least a week on the sidelines. ''His knee has pulled up sore. It's not as good as we thought he would be,'' Tony Popovic said on Tuesday before training. ''He's seeing a specialist and doing all the right things. We're hoping it's nothing serious, but we're still waiting to find out.''
Juric's absence could open a place for Brendon Santalab or Labinot Haliti as the lone striker. Santalab - who signed a two-year deal on Tuesday - has spent time filling in for Youssouf Hersi, who is suffering from a foot injury picked up in the Sydney derby.
After being stomped on by his opponent, Hersi was expected to miss only a week but he is in doubt for Saturday night. ''It's a bit of a unique injury that he got and it really is a day-by-day proposition,'' Popovic said.
Popovic is a believer in not only having two players for every position but also keeping his back-up squad match fit - leading to Matthew Spiranovic's debut against the Heart. However, that meant dropping captain Michael Beauchamp.
''Michael's done nothing wrong. He's played well. It was just a decision that was made and it's not due to form,'' Popovic said.
''I'm sure he'll be prepared and if he gets the opportunity this week, he'll continue on with the great form he's shown.''
Elsewhere, Sydney FC defender Tiago Calvano has been outed for two weeks after being found guilty of ''assault on a player'' by the match review panel.
Tiago struck Melbourne Victory striker Archie Thompson off the ball in the 79th minute of Sydney's 3-2 win. The incident initially went unnoticed by the referee.
The ban is only the start of the Brazilian's woes. Next week he faces a disciplinary committee for grabbing referee Peter Green's arm. Green was about to show a red card to Marc Warren when Tiago grabbed him with enough force to make him drop the card. Football Federation Australia takes a dim view on contact between players and referees, and the 32-year old could be sidelined for several weeks.
Meanwhile, Tiago's teammate Sebastian Ryall said he had no memory of his bizarre goal against Victory. ''I didn't know too much about it,'' he said. ''It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance with the ball hitting me in the face.''
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